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purelyfiction · 3 years

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Title: The Return of A Royal

Summary: After discovering Mari's real identity and recognizing the truth behind the job, Din decides not to finish it. The two return to Nevarro to gather supplies and regroup on a plan. They arrive at nightfall, Mari still slightly drowsy from her medication. The following morning, they take their time getting ready to move on after supply gathering for their journey to Tatooine.

Word Count: 5,786 (yeah there’s a lot here :P )

TW: brief description of sexual assault, nudity, fun shower times ;) We have arrived to smut city, and ask that you make sure you have all of your belongings with you as you exit the bus. Please exit the bus in a orderly fashion and we thank you for riding with thxse-xdds (galaxybcund) tours.

Chapter 6 - Steam and Sunsets

There was something about e-bacta that really just... put everything back in place. Mari slowly sits up, rubbing her eyes slowly as she hears a coo from up the ladder. She slowly moves from the cot she's on, still rather shaky, a bit tired still. She rolls her wrist over to see her ancient communicator to look to the time. It's been about 7 hours since she fell asleep from the medication Mando had administered. A slight chill runs through her as she moves to climb up the ladder. She's about halfway up the ladder when she looks up to be greeted with a sheet of metal that was none too happy. To be fair, she can't see his expression and he never really looks happy. "What are you doing. You should be sleeping." He scolds, only to reach a hand out to her, helping her up the rest of the way.

"I... woke up. I can't really sleep well.. normally, anyways." Her body seems to betray the words she speaks, as a prolonged yawn leaves her mouth. His hand slips from hers once she's standing upright, stepping aside to let her into the cockpit. Mari settles in one of the chairs, Din unmoving as he looks to her. He seems frozen as she looks to see Grogu in his seat, eyes trained on the ball in his hand. Mari looks to him slowly, moving at a snails pace it seems. Mando finally moves back to the captain's chair rather smoothly.

"I can find something on Nevarro to help that. You'll need it to finish recovering." She's curled into a ball, leaning into the seat, seemingly half asleep still.

"Mmmm whatever you think is best. Not gonna be the one to move your path." The former royal hums before he glances to her once again.

"Aren't you cold?" He asks, Mari's eyebrows furrowing at him at the question.

"I mean a little. Why do you ask?" She swears there's a snicker coming from the helm on his shoulders. Yet, he reaches up with gloved fingers, tugging the cloak from behind him and turning in his chair to drape the fabric over her. Mari takes it gingerly, pulling it closer to her, watching as her turns to face the dashboard once again.

"You're not wearing any pants."

Mari's eyes widen, a bright blush inevitably coming to her face. She must've kicked them off in her sleep. "Um, sorry. Habit?" She asks, more than giving a rational answer. A slight shrug comes from Din.

"It's nothing I haven't already seen." He says it so cooly, as if there was nothing out of place about it. Despite it being the very real truth, Mari's blush seems to deepen.

"Not fair. I'm not allowed to see you." Her head's clearly not in the best place, otherwise there would've been a much wittier response from the brunette. The male doesn't respond and she turns to look back to the stars moving passed them once again. Din recognizes the behavior, having seen it the day prior when they were traveling to the random planet to face her ex. He speaks up.

"What are you thinking about?" Mari nearly jumps when she hears his voice, even though it hasn't even been five minutes since they'd stopped speaking.

"Er, I'm... not?" She puts a hand to her forehead briefly before looking at him, despite his helmet staying straight to the course ahead of him. "I- well it's not really my thoughts. I.. just am reading the energy around me." She suggests, not really sure how to explain it more than that.

"Reading energy?" He sounds genuinely curious, so Mari moves to continue.

"I- my father wasn't lying about the powers. I... just never trained them. He had convinced my mom that I was a weapon, and I would hurt the people around me or even myself. So, they limited how much I learned about it. They mainly told me that I should try to block it out as much as I could. That never really worked, as I always just felt things, heard brief things. Like snippets of ideas. As though I had a window into people's thoughts. They were never more than one or two words. I... It's how I knew Grogu's name." She admits, the small child's head popping up at his name. She gives him a small smile accompanied by a wave. This information causes Din to turn to her.

"You can communicate with him?" He asks, rather surprised. She gives a small huff, amused at his reaction.

"I didn't say that. I hear bits of his thoughts every now and then. One of the first things that came up at the cantina was 'Grogu, eat." She offers, the kid cooing at his name and food in the same sentence. "So, yes, and also no. If he's willing to share it, I might get it." Mari knows very little about the Force, or anything she might possibly be able to do, but knew this one well. "But, for example, I can't get anything from you. You're sealed rather tightly it seems." It might be a jab, or a taunt, either way, Din doesn't let it faze him very much. He gives a nod at her explanation, turning in his chair again.

"I noticed you were doing it yesterday." He offers, Mari giggling at the memory.

"He was babbling to himself. It was actual nonsense, nothing coherent." She smiles, looking at the child in question who looks to her. She looks at him, only to watch him offer the piece of metal in his hand. Take. She gives a nod, slowly starting to get up when Grogu makes a displeased noise. The two adults look to him, only for the Mandalorian to look at Mari.

"Anything?" He asks, only for Mari to turn her head.

"Take. He lifted the ball, and said 'take.' When I went to get up, he got upset." She explains, the other turning back to his task, seemingly not interested in what the two of them were up to. A thud comes from over his way, Mari seeing the ball roll on the floor. She sighs, moving to pick it up, but before she can, it's pulled back to green, tiny hands. Again. Take. She moves so her feet are now tucked under her, the cloak she was using now settled in her lap, hands resting on her knee caps. "Take." She whispers, looking to the ball in his hand. Her focus is not very strong, considering the room was moving a little still from the medication, but she does her best to put her energy to it. She's not sure when it happens, but in a blink, the very piece that had been in his hand, was now in hers. A content coo leaves Grogu, Mari a little shocked at what had occured. "Holy kriff." She mumbles, looking to the metal in her hand, only to tap the back of her hand to Mando's arm. "This some kid's toy with gears or something?" She asks, only for Din to move slowly and look at the piece and answering her.

"No. It's the knob to that lever." He points out to the pipe in the dashboard with exposed threads. "He just... was attracted to it since I brought him on the ship." He speaks, taking it from her before handing it back to Grogu.

"Just metal." She speaks.

"Yes."

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It wasn't long before the three of them landed on their destination planet. They'd just been there a day prior, but with the realization that he was low on supplies, Din needed to restock before they could continue tracking down someone's whereabouts when they had no real clue where they were. So, as the sun sets on Nevarro they move to the familiar cantina that Mari had gotten a little overserved at. "I need to speak with someone about potential leads, or work I could do for credits to refuel on our next detour." He explains, leading the way. They walk at the Mandalorian's pace, halting at the booth. She'd felt off the minute they'd entered the building, she couldn't explain it. But, when her eyes fall to her companion's intel, her body tightens.

"Mando, I'm.. gonna go to the refresher..." She speaks, the voice so low that Din doesn't acknowledge her. Karga stands at the sight of the woman, a smirk on his face. Her stomach seems to do a somersault when he does so.

"Mando. I see you've brought company. Pleasure to see you again." He speaks in her direction, and her throat is as dry as the air outside. The man beside her looks to her.

"You've met Karga?"" He asks, and the older man chuckles.

"Oh yes. I had the pleasure to welcome her to the Guild." At his words, Mari's jaw clenches.

"We both know that wasn't a welcome, Karga." Her teeth are tense, her fingers slowly closing into fists. Din hears the kid whimper, giving a sigh and looking to the two of them.

"I've got to deal with this... I'll be fast." His words are for Mari, it's clear, yet Greef gives a nod to his cohort. Once the Mandalorian runs off to find whatever it is that Grogu is nodding off about, the dark male slowly approaches her.

"I did you a favor when you landed here." He speaks, as though she owes him something.

"Really? I don't think that was a favor. I've had plenty of nightmares because of you." She can remember the night far too vividly. Fresh off an Imperial ship and looking for work and shelter, only 19. She'd finished the job Karga had given her, and he offered her a room at his house. The rest of the night was something she tries desperately to forget. Karga is suddenly in her space, trying to be intimidating.

"If it weren't for me, I really doubt you would have made it to where you are now." He tries only for Mari to take two rather large steps back.

"I don't agree with you. And unluckily for you I'm not a hopeless kid you can pin down in the middle of the night." She spits before one of her fisted hands comes to meet with his chin, the older of the two falling back and losing his balance before falling on his ass. Mari shakes out her hand, only to raise it when guards come to try to push her out of the building. "I was just leaving."

Din's been gone maybe five minutes when he's returned with the kid, a small snack in his hands as he rests happily in his caretakers arms. Only to find his previous Guild agent with a cold compress to his cheek. "Where's the girl?" Karga gives a huff, shaking his head.

"You mean the schutta who pulled this off?" He asks, before a grunt leaves him. "She ran off, the ungrateful shit."

The man takes a step to his elder, a finger pointed. "She's the bounty. She's just as wanted by Gideon as the kid is." He's surprised though, as it's clear that Mari had hit him pretty hard. She had to have some reason.

"Some princess she is. You watch your back, Mando. I don't trust her." Din pauses, looking to the familiar face before turning to the door of the cantina. He wouldn't lie, he'd partially forgotten her status, but... it seemed as though she had as well. Unimportant. He thinks to himself, looking around the market aisles to try to find the woman. Instead, he tries to find her footprint. After her attempted getaway the prior afternoon, he'd made sure to register her shoeprint in his systems. He'd done so prior to learning what he knew now about the job. And he's glad he has as he begins to follow the path she'd made away from the cantina, even further from the Razor Crest. He watches as they weave through the stands that stand empty, waiting for the next days business. He's still walking when he hears his name, turning to see Cara at her door.

"What are you two doing back here? Didn't Elia give you the intel you needed?" She asks, leaning into the doorway, Mando turning to face her.

"It's... Mari. She's running from her father. It turns out he'd exploited her to the Empire once before when he was in debt. She.. knew of a Jedi, it's Ahsoka. Which, we've already spoken with." He explains short handedly, Cara not really getting the full detail but nodding anyways.

"Ok... what are you doing now then? Still looking?"

"Yes. The kid still needs to train... and so does Mari." He offers, looking back to the path where her footprints begin to disappear to on the other edge of town behind a building.

"Right... she's got the same powers as the kid does? Guess Gideon would want her too then..." She rationalizes, Din turning to face her again.

"I suppose. For now she's with me." The brunette gives a snicker, gesturing to his empty side.

"Sure looks like it. Run off again?" She teases, standing up right again.

"I... She punched Karga. Left without a word."

The Marshal is taken by surprise at her friend's words. "Right... he give you any explanation to that?"

"No. She better. Otherwise I doubt Karga will want anything to do with me again."

"Well, good luck. Let me know if you need anything." He gives a nod, about to turn before he looks back at her. "Actually..."

Mari sits on the familiar rooftop, a haven she'd once had back when she briefly lived on the planet. It was maybe the only peaceful place she can recall from that period of her life. She'd sit like this, legs under her and watch the sun sink into mountains in the distance. She'd been on Nevarro a whole two weeks back then. Only before making her way to other planets, finding her freighter and starting back into bounty hunting after her... experience, with Karga. She'd found a female agent, one she trusted far more and had no problem after that. Mari sits, gaze far off when she feels the air around her seem to shift, and gives a small smirk. He'd found her. No surprise, he was one of the more esteemed bounty hunters in the Guild afterall. "Took you long enough." She retorts, the man unmoving.

"You punched Karga? On what grounds?" He asks, slow to step forward, looking to the sunset she'd been watching.

"He'd been my first agent. I was 19. I had just escaped from the Empire, landed on the nearest planet, looking for work and lodging. Karga was far too excited to help." She stands up, walking to his side, and then facing the sun again. "I did the job, he paid me, and led me to the accommodations for the night. Which happened to be at his personal residence. I was on the couch. It was the middle of the night, I was sore and exhausted from and unskilled criminal retrieval. I woke up to Karga's hands on my wrists, his knees pushing my hips into the cushions. He..." Mari has to take a deep breath, looking to her hands, still rubbing the sore knuckles from it's impact with Greef's jaw. "He tried to make me do some things I was unfamiliar with. He rubbed himself against me and -"

Din's voice cuts through the air. "Stop. You don't need to keep going." His voice comes off low. She's heard it before, when he was upset with her for doing something. Though the energy isn't directed at her. She can feel it. She can feel Mando's emotion.

That was new. It's a storm of anger, disgust, and an air of demerits to him. "I'll see that he apologizes." He mutters, a turn of his shoulders. "C'mon. We should get back to the ship."

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The energy that lingers as Mari and Grogu sit in the hull with take out meals from a local diner is heavy. The Mandalorian was unpacking some of the supplies that Cara had been so kind to gather for him, but he had been so quiet. Mari pulls the bowl from her mouth, watching him carefully. "Do you want some help?" She asks, feeling like she needed to be doing something.

"I'm fine. Finish eating so we can leave." He retorts, pushing a stack of bacta kits into the cabinet. Thank Maker. She's so glad to see that he'd learned from experience, now prepared if something were to happen again. A slurp comes from the small creature beside her, and the two adults turn to look at him, Mari letting a small laugh leave her. Her bowl now empty, she stands and takes Grogu's when he's done. Setting the dishes in the small kitchenette sink, she takes another glance to the Mandalorian.

"You seem off." She finally admits, Din not pausing as he picks up the bag off the floor to look at what remained. No words. He pulls out a stack of clothes, outreaching a hand towards her.

"You told me you had no clothes. Cara had things she didn't wear anymore. There's a drawer on the other wall that's empty." He directs, Mari slowly taking them from the other, looking over the pile. She'd mentioned it briefly, figuring that she would just deal until they made it back to Mon Cala to retrieve her ship. Though, she's beyond excited to put on something that didn't feel like a dress on her. Not that she was ungrateful for Mando's kindness. He'd offered her clothes when she needed it, but this rung a little differently. He'd actively sought out a solution for her. Remembering she'd had an issue, and cared enough to make sure that she was well prepared for the next few days.

"I- Thank you. Remind me to thank her the next time we see her." Her voice is soft, moving to the drawer he'd mentioned. A few tank tops, some longer shirts, a few t-shirts and long sleeves. The pants options were... different. Mari was one for thicker style pants with plenty of storage on them, these were mainly black, skin tight and held few pockets. This would be a change. Temporary, but a change nonetheless. Din's moved from his spot, putting the storage bag away, starting to heat up what looked like a ration from his supplies. "... Do you want me to go get you real food? I'm sure I can find something-"

"It's fine, Mari." Food's not really been... enjoyable for him. It was sustenance, it fueled him like sleep did. Did their meals smell delicious? Absolutely. But by the time he's able to eat, it would've gone bad. Rations didn't go bad, even if they were cold. So he deals. She shrinks slightly, picking up Grogu and moving him to his small hammock in the sleeping chambers. She turns to look at him before speaking. "What... are sleeping arrangements looking like?" The Mandalorian looks back to her only to realize that there was his standard cot, and the medical one that Mari had slept on last night. The medical one wasn't meant for use over 8 hours, and she'd really pushed it's limits earlier that day. "You can sleep with the Kid. I'll figure something out." He explains. A slow nod leaves her as she moves to the refresher. After getting ready for sleep, she stays put for a little while longer, knowing that Grogu was most likely asleep, and that the ship's captain could get in a few bites. She's made sure enough time has passed before she steps out of the room, combing her hair with her fingers when she sees the pile of blankets and a pillow on the sheet of metal that made up the floor. She's quick to move and collect the group of fabric, starting to the ladder to the cockpit. A groan sounds from behind her, almost echoing. "What are you doing."

"Making a bed for me. You're not sleeping on the floor, and I'm not taking your bed." She retorts, managing to get to the cockpit. She maneuvers the guest seats so that they face one another, pausing before ducking her head to the hull. "You got more pillows?" She quips, Din looking around before picking up two more from under the cot that he didn't use. He hands one up to her, Mari taking it before getting an idea. She lets both hands grip the ends before hitting the man in the back of his head when it was turned. The helmet turns, and she's suddenly worried she's overstepped. "I.." She retreats to the cockpit, starting to build her bed a little more, hearing armor rattle as he climbs up the ladder. She sighs, biting her tongue before standing upright. "That was immature and I shouldn't have -" Instead of a scolding tone and words telling her to go to bed, plush force comes to her shoulder, causing her to look behind her, seeing a pillow gripped between gloved hands. The two are both frozen, only until Mando gives a shrug. Mari's quick to grab another pillow sending her pillow flying through the air and hitting against him softly. Sure he's armored, but he's indulging her, and she's not going to miss out on that. Eventually, Mari surrenders, a right fit of laughs leaving her before she carefully takes the pillow from him. A smile on her face as she makes a bed between the two chairs, enough that it'll support her. Din seems skeptical though, looking at it is just making his back hurt.

"Are you going to fit on that?" He asks, Mari looking up to him and then the bed.

"Yeah, watch." She carefully maneuvers to the makeshift bed, pulling blankets over her, finding herself sliding off the chair slightly, but being caught by the pillows. "See?" She gives a smile only for Din to nod and turn to the ladder. As he maneuvers, he catches another glimpse of her bed setup, and can't stop the laugh that comes from him.

"Goodnight, Mari. Good luck to your back." He slinks down the ladder and to the sleeping cot, turning off the lights of the hull with ease.

"My back will be fine. Goodnight you two." She laughs in return before curling into her bed with caution.

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Mando was right. Mando was very right. Not only had she tossed and turned the entire night, then falling from the chair setup, her back was a mess. She didn't want to move from her position on the floor, because she was getting some sleep finally, only for the door to the cockpit to slide open, a deep modulated voice coming from above her. "I tried to warn you."

"I'll live." She groans, sitting up and pushing hair out of her face.

"The kid's still asleep. I'm going to go grab food. I'll be half an hour at most." He explains, looking at the woman's rough shape. Her hair was everywhere, and to no one's surprise, her pants are on the far side of the cockpit. He shakes his head before turning. "I turned on the hot water. Give it a few minutes before trying to shower." He recommends before slinking down the rungs of the ladder, feet shaking the metal slightly before the hatch to the hull opens, and shuts. A yawn leaves her, letting her stand and try to stretch out. She was so beyond sore, and doesn't stop herself from flipping off the setup before grabbing her pants and moving to the hull. She grabs clean clothes, and moves to the refresher, turning the handle of the shower, a hand flattening against the stream of water to test the temperature. Mari moves to the sink, starting to brush her teeth as she waits for the water to warm up a little. By the time she's done, there's steam fogging up the mirror, giving her a visual cue that the shower is ready. She lets her shirt and underwear fall to the floor, stepping into the shower.

The water feels heavenly against sore muscles, and generally felt good after having been in generally dry and dusty climates the past few days. It seems to massage her skin in such a way that she sits and stands in the stream, warm streams running down her tresses of brown hair, over her shoulders. It's almost lulling her to sleep, closing her eyes and letting a soft hum leave her as she seems to sway slightly with her music she was making. Mari felt like she hadn't gotten an ounce of sleep, meanwhile Grogu was still sleeping. It really wasn't fair. She and Mando had to get up, get going and he reaped the benefits. But he's rather helpless compared to her. She's a grown adult and had responsibilities. Well, she had before she ran across this duo. Now... she's on the run. Avoiding any bounty hunter or any stormtrooper that might be after her - all for her father's sake. Her idea of her father's passing had been hopeless thinking, an idea she created to reassure herself to just live her life.

She jumps as the ship starts to vibrate, hearing the door of the hull open again. Had it seriously been 30 minutes already? She's grabbing the nearest soap container, starting to wash up before a knock comes to the door. "I- I'll be out in like ten minutes." Mari's features scrunch as she speaks, Mando's voice coming from the other side of the door.

"How long have you been in there?" She bites her lip softly.

"Since you left. I... think I fell asleep if I'm honest." The woman admits, a groan coming from the other side of the metal.

"Mari, there's maybe an hour of water in the tank, I still need to shower." Well shit. She's trying to move faster, only to drop the bottle in her hand and cursing. It's quiet while she tries to make up for her wasted time, only for another knock on the door. "Open the door."

"What?" Her surprise is clear, but Din doesn't shift.

"Open. The door." She's hesitating, only to open the small door to the shower, and then unlocking the refresher door, closing the shower door again. The lights are killed and she's enveloped in darkness, no sight to guide her.

"Mando, I can't shower like this."

"Close your eyes." Suddenly, Mari is wide awake. The last time she'd heard that had been two nights ago at the Inn. She doesn't argue and lets her eyes close again. "They closed?" She gives a hum to him, listening as each piece of armor is removed and gently stacked on the floor. The shower door opens and she's about to move, only for a hand to fall to her waist. He pulls her in the right direction to ensure there's enough space for the both of them, as well as adequate water flow.

"I still-"

"I'll help. Just stay still, we've got to be quick." His voice sounds so... calm, like this. It's not different, in any other way other than a cleaner sound. There's less resonance in his annunciations, and a far more... human tone. Hands reach past her to the soap on the ledge behind her, another hand on her waist to turn so her back is facing him. The sound of the cap of the container echoes against the metal, only for it to return to it's home. Large hands run soapy fingers through her hair, making sure to get each spot, but also moving delicately as to not tug on any knots that might linger. Fingertips start to massage into her scalp and Mari can't help but relax a little. Eyes still closed, hands holding herself as he slowly lathers her hair with careful movements. He makes sure to get the ends of the tresses before turning her to face him again. "Rinse." He offers before grabbing the same soap and starting to wash his own hair. By the time she's gotten all the soap out, including the knots, Din's swapped places with her to quickly rinse himself. Once he's done, an arm wraps around her waist, guiding her back under the water just as she starts to get cold. She realizes that just as he does so, he must be freezing. Despite it, another soap container opens and shuts before he directs her to the same position she was earlier, back to him. Warm hands, chilled slightly with body wash begin to glide across her skin, sending goosebumps up her back and down her arms. What should have been quick and clumsy hands to ensure they don't waste more hot water, find themselves moving slowly, embracing the slick conditions as Din's hands explore. He traces his thumb pads up her spine, slight pressure being applied to clearly tense muscles. "I warned you." He snickers when a groan leaves her lips as he hits a sore spot. She's afraid to admit that wasn't the only reason the noise had made an appearance. The muscles in her stomach tighten with each motion, hands moving to rest against the wall. Hands massage into shoulders, mimicking the same action before they peak at the tops of her shoulders, shifting to her chest. A soft gasp leaves her, feeling her walls faintly tighten at his touch. Breasts are enveloped in suds, slight kneading motions capture the tissue, thumbs grazing her nipples slightly. Mari brings her bottom lip between her teeth again as his hands move down her sternum, taking a moment to appreciate her stomach, before moving to the outside of her thighs. They run two slow circles over her skin, before sliding to her ass. He pauses, gripping the muscle before his hands rest on her hips again, stepping closer as he does so. Fingertips coast along her sides, forcing her to press her thighs together as a new form of touch is introduced.

His lips begin to press against her shoulder as water rinses the soap from her skin, slowly making a trail. A hand moves up to pull her hair from behind her neck, lips greeting the skin there. His hand moves under her arm, letting his own arm pull her to hug him softly chest completely tucked into her, accompanied by the brand new sensation of his groin against her ass. His hand holds her shoulder as his other rests on her hip, lips now by her ear. "I can stop. You just need to tell me." His lips return under her ear, following her hairline before Mari finally finds words. The past few minutes she'd been encased in his touch, not really minding whatsoever.

"No, no. I-... it feels good on the sore stuff." She whispers in response, Din humming.

"We've got about 20 minutes before this shower is frozen over." The words are mumbled against her shoulder as he presses yet another kiss to her skin. "Just tell me." A reminder, that if she needed to, that they could stop. The Inn had been different, he'd asked if she wanted to stop everything. This felt more like reassurances. Little pockets of affirmation that she had a say in what happened.

With his thumb at her shoulder, he's running fingers in patterns while his other hand moves to gently push her legs apart, fingers running along her inner thighs, making her shift carefully. Soon, two rough pads slide past her lips, gathering whatever was there to aide in helping his skin flow against hers. A soft gasp from Mari lingers in the air as his fingers slowly begin to encircle her clit. He moves in time with the patterns on her shoulder, while his lips haven't once left her back. The water running over them helped keep their bodies warm - as if Din's actions weren't enough. He's being careful, listening closely to find the pattern of her breathing under the drowning sound of the shower hitting the harsh metal. He begins with circles on her shoulders, transitioning into small figure eights that make Mari move to let fingers wrap around his wrist, slightly labored breaths matching the rise and fall of her chest. "You're doing so good, princess."

Oh. Oh, Maker. A pleased gasp, accompanied by softly chanted 'yes' begin to roll off Mari's tongue, his pace starting to pick up quicker. The water's slowly shifting from it's pleasant heat to a mulling warmth, a sign that their time was starting to escape them. Mari finds herself leaning forward as each lap of Din's fingers helps the growing tightness in her abdomen, fingers gripping his wrist tighter and tighter the closer and closer she gets. By now, she's trying her best to hold out as long as she can, a rasped comment leaving her. "I-I need you. Please."

"Alright, hang tight." He retreats his hand from her clit, moving to help align his ready member to her slit, rocking slightly to coat himself before lining up. "Ready, princess?" He hums, an impatient groan leaving Mari.

"Mando, please. " At her confirmation, he slowly presses himself into her, filling her with ease. Mari's hands move to the shower wall once again, now balling into firm fists as her head hangs. Din's own hand returns back to her clit as he slowly begins thrusting, matching his pace of his hips with his fingers. He sets out on a steady pace, Mari's breaths being annunciated with each thrust, Mando's own grunts pairing with them neatly. He begins to move faster, holding onto her with one arm, the other hand still circling her clit as he rocks. She can feel her legs shaking a little, try her best to get out words. "Close, close - I -" He meets her statement with a hum, moving his fingers faster until she tightens around her, his arm moving from under her shoulder to around her waist as Mari seems to vibrate. He makes sure his fingers are still moving as she cums, and when she's almost done, he pulls from her and finishes himself off. She's leaning into the shower, forearms pressed against the metal, forehead leaning on it as well and catching her breath as Din quickly washes his body with the remaining lukewarm water. When he's done, he presses another kiss to the back of her neck before retrieving towels.

"Such a selfless princess." He compliments, wrapping her in a towel before stepping out of the shower and drying off.

"Yeah. That's the word."

#the mandalorian #the mandalorian smut #the mandalorian fanfic #mando fanfic #mando smut #din djarin #din djarin smut #din djarin fanfic #smut

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mydarlingklaus · 4 years

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The Apology

Part 3 of the angsty “The Merge” arc is now updated! Highly anticipated reunion between Klaus and Lizzie. So glad you all have been enjoying these drabbles! Thank you for leaving all your reviews on my ff account, I appreciate it! You can find part 1 here and part 2 here! Enjoy :)

WARNING: Angst galore!

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New Orleans, 2:45 AM

Klaus' elbows rested on the lengthy solid wood dining table as his interlocked fingers covered his trembling mouth and flared nostrils—eyes practically burning a hole through Lizzie's forehead who was sitting across the other side. Carefully watching as she ate the grilled cheese sandwich he prepared for her—raising children forced him to learn his way around the kitchen. After Klaus paid the cab driver and compelled him to forget arriving here and picking anyone up in the last two hours, he was too enraged to speak to Lizzie when she eventually brought her luggage inside. Figured making her a meal would ease his mind and rationalize his thoughts—it did not.

As she settled in Klaus called Alaric to inform him about Lizzie's whereabouts—of course Caroline was his first option but he was still feeling petty. The insufferable human speaking over him was irritating, especially when realizing they contacted each other just a few seconds apart. Josie and Hope were both heavily interrogated by Caroline and Alaric. Hope was clueless but eventually they were able to pull the truth out of Josie. The news broke Klaus' heart all over again, but he reassured Alaric that Lizzie was safe in New Orleans and would call back after talking with her first.

Her bites were small, awkwardly shifting her attention down at the plate and up at the man with dagger eyes. One cheek resembled a chipmunk's as she prolonged each chew in the hopes that Klaus would be the first to break the dead silence—no such luck. She knew Klaus was pissed, which was unusual towards her because he had never genuinely been upset with her in the past.

She gulped the food down her throat with a dramatic swallow before placing the remainder of the sandwich on the porcelain plate. Using the napkin on her lap to rid her mouth of crumbs, subtly clearing her throat.

"Um, thanks for the food by the way. I was starving." Lizzie extended her gratitude with a soft smile that fell when Klaus did not reciprocate.

The silent treatment was growing tiresome, along with Lizzie's patience.

"Did you call my mom?"

His stomach clenched at the reference, but he finally spoke. "I called your father, actually, at the exact same time he called me."

"Are you two wonder twins or something?" She half joked, but Klaus obviously was not amused causing her to clear her throat. "So this means they already knew I was here. Well Josie certainly knows how to keep a secret huh." She rolled her eyes.

"You're lucky she said something." Klaus blurted. "Everyone was worried about you, I was worried about you."

"And like I already told you, I'm fine. I made it here unharmed didn't I? You don't have to keep treating me like a child—"

"You are a child, Lizzie." Klaus' tone low and dark—dropping his hands onto the table but eyes of fury never leaving hers. "You're a beautiful and naive 17 year old girl who has lived in the bubble of a small town her whole life, and despite thinking you know everything about the dangers of the world, you don't."

"Klaus—"

"Anything could have happened to you, anything, do you understand?" His glare deepened.

She groaned while rolling her eyes. "Yes, yes I get that but—"

"There are no 'buts'!" He slammed his hand on table,frightening the teenage girl. "And obviously you don't get it otherwise you wouldn't have done something so...so selfish and irresponsible! How many times do I have to explain to you girls, just because you're a powerful witch in Mystic Falls does not make you invincible to the real world. Evil comes in all shapes and forms, you have no idea what to look for. People in this city know who you are and how important you are to me. Why do you think I'm so protective over you all whenever you visit? What if someone recognized you wandering this hectic city alone at this hour, with some vendetta thinking they have something to prove by..."

He wiped his hand over his face exasperatedly, inhaling and exhaling as he regrouped, hating when his mind wandered to the darkest of places. Since Caroline became a permanent part of his life Klaus not a day went by he wasn't terrified for her safety, even more with the twins. The nightmares he never told her about of his deepest fears. He's had to protect Hope her entire life from the dark forces insistent on taking her away from him, now his family was expanding and felt helpless to stop life from happening to them. They inherited a thousand years worth of enemies and he couldn't be there for all of them at once. Seeing Lizzie, alone, on his doorsteps was among the most haunting images he's ever seen.

The witch rubbed her lips together, blinking away the sheen covering her blue eyes for a better visual of his disgruntled expression. Klaus wasn't simply upset, he was scared—clear as day on his face. Klaus has always been overprotective since they were kids and barely knew each other. Sometimes he was extreme: like not allowing her and Sebastian to go on unsupervised dates, or her having to text him her every move if she went on a trip without him, or one of his hybrids watching over at her football games when Klaus was unable to attend. It was behavior she grew accustomed to, fighting that is who he is. She underestimated how triggered he would be about her traveling on her own—expected some fleeting harsh words but his silence hurt more. Never did she mean to harm or scare him in any way.

Placing her hands out in front of her on the table, Lizzie picked at the fabric on the sleeves of her sweater.

"I'm sorry, okay. I never meant to freak you out. I just thought...I thought you'd be happy to see me." She said defeated.

Klaus' eyebrows furrowed, offended she would think otherwise. "Of course I'm happy to see you. I'm always happy to see you, Lizzie you know that. But you can't do reckless things like this and expect me not to, 'freak out', as you say." The tension slightly dissipating with his soft smirk. "I always worry, every bloody day about you girls when you're together, never even entertaining you all being apart. You mean...everything to me, do you understand?"

Lizzie understandably nodded as Klaus left his seat to walk over to her. Pulling out the chair beside her he sat down, with an expression ranging from relieved and anxious on his face. His hand reached out to hold hers on the table—giving them both much needed comfort.

"However, running away from home without warning is not an excuse. There are more pressing matters we need to discuss now that you're safe and well like, how did you acquire a plane ticket so last minute in the first place. How did you know I was here?"

The young witch swallowed audibly, squeezing his hand.

"Um, I sorta, well definitely, called Uncle Kol and told him I was running away and needed to see you. He didn't want to say anything at first but after much precision he finally told me you were in New Orleans and bought a ticket for me."

"HE WHAT?!" Klaus' eyes bulged and fist balled as he let her hand go.

As if the situation could not be worse—of course Klaus' delinquent of a baby brother was involved!

Lizzie winced, leaning back against her chair. "This is the reason I was holding off telling you..."

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "How dare he...and he knew I would never allow it. I am going to kill him, violently, and you be sure to tell him so during your next chat." He huffed. "Why were you running away anyways?"

"Same reason you did." She answered, making Klaus pause.

His glare and jaw softened as the realization settled in.

"You know..."

She nodded again, with shifty eyes and a blank face.

"And Josie?"

"Of course I told her. She's my sister. There's enough lies running around the boarding school and this effects both of us, remember?"

He knew, eventually, the twins would have to find out but didn't feel any better with them knowing before he had time to process it himself. How was he to console them about a matter he could barely grasp? The time away from Mystic Falls—from Caroline—did little to clear his mind because every second he thought about it the anger resurfaced.

Klaus let out a deep exhale scooting his chair closer to her and rubbing his hands together.

"Do you, um...do you want to talk about it?" He asked concerned.

She scoffed while crossing her arms. "About the fact that in a few years I'm either going to die or be forced to murder my sister, and my parents have been lying to me about it my whole life? Thanks but no thanks."

"We're going to have to talk about this eventually." He tried to reason with her but her refusal was as stubborn as a brick.

"Then I'll wait for eventually." She decided with a shrug.

"Lizzie—"

"I'm tired." She yawned covering her mouth. "It's been a long day and I can barely keep my eyes open so, can I just go to my room now please?"

- Say no, say no.

Klaus was such a weakling when it came to his daughters, specifically Lizzie. Her big blue eyes and pouty lip held so much innocence she reminded him of the little girl he once knew.

It has been a long night, for both of them. They could always talk in the morning when they're both refreshed and willing. Quite frankly Klaus wasn't too jazzed about discussing the matter further tonight either—as long as Lizzie knew it was something to discuss, soon.

Reluctantly, Klaus bit his tongue and conceded with an affirmative nod.

The young witch grinned, widely, jumping out her chair eagerly and picking up her plate.

"I'll dispose of it. Get some sleep." Klaus insisted with a weak smile.

She could see it on his face how badly this was eating at him, maybe more than her. But her mind and body were drained—from the devastating information of her fate to hitching a last minute solo trip to New Orleans. Last thing she wanted was more talking, even from Klaus—enough talking.

Placing the plate down, she muttered a low 'thank you' before walking towards the staircase and leaving Klaus alone with his conflicted thoughts.

**************************************************************

9:10 AM

Breakfast in the Mikaelson manner was, awkward.

They all sat at the food-filled dining table together—Elijah and Hayley slowly sipped on coffee, Freya and Lizzie fawned over orange juice while Klaus nursed an alcoholic drink. Elijah discreetly tried to talk to talk to his brother about Lizzie's sudden arrival but Klaus didn't budge, nor did anyone outside of their immediate family need to know about this before they could tackle it themselves. Attempts at conversation were made in between fruit and pastry platters, but the trio were worried about stepping on anyone's toes which made everything more awkward. Klaus' irritability was written on his face, even for so early in the morning. The hybrid was running on two hours of sleep, barely capable of catching any slumber after Lizzie resides in her room for the night. He sat outside her door for about an hour before retreating downstairs to his study. He tried everything to keep his mind occupied: reading, sketching, brainstorming strategies for the next faction meeting but nothing worked.

Afraid if he closed his eyes he'd have another haunting nightmare; with Lizzie as the starring role.

Even reaching out to Caroline crossed his mind, once or twice. After finally turning his cellphone back on he played her voicemail over, and over again until it brought boredom—it never did. He missed her voice, the way she rambled when nervous and her smile that he could hear through the phone.

You give me comfort, and I could really use some of that right now.

So did he.

I miss you.

I'm sorry.

I need you.

He had to turn his phone off again just to fight the temptation. The tears already glossing his eyeballs as he contemplated throwing the bloody contraption in the lit fireplace. He hated feeling conflicted.

Despite how much he loved and missed her, nothing about the merge was simple nor fixable yet she kept it from him for years. Whatever her intentions Klaus was incapable of reasoning right now—not to mention the teenage runaway who sparked his blood just as much.

When his two siblings and Hayley finished their meals and left the mansion for an 'outing', he was left alone at the table with the stubborn teenager who appeared just as displeased.

"It's a bit early for bourbon, don't you think?" She sassed, flipping her blonde hair to the side while jamming her fork into a chocolate chip waffle.

Klaus knew those were her favorite.

"Let's just say, I've earned it." He raised a glass before downing the liquor in his throat then slamming it down on the table. "Are you enjoying breakfast?"

She nodded gleefully, pushing the empty fruit bowl away as the servant came around to dispose of dishes.

"You always have the best food, especially the waffles!" Lizzie praised before scarfing another piece into her mouth.

"I'm glad." He rewarded her with a soft grin, gesturing to the servant to scurry away until it was just him and his step-daughter. "Not to put a damper on a good morning but sweetheart, we really need to talk—"

"We should go into the Quarter today." Lizzie proposed.

His forehead creased and eyebrows pulled together at her blatant disregard for his request.

"What are you talking about?"

"Hayley...Auntie Hayley?" She raised a curious brow. "I'm still not really sure what I'm supposed to call her but, I overheard her talking about meetings you have coming up. I could totally audit some of them. I've been told I'm quite the stellar listener." She suggested, making Klaus more puzzled.

He sighed. "Lizzie—"

"Or," the smirking blonde witch rose from her chair, "we can ditch boring responsibilities and turn it into a fun day trip. Just me and you like old times. We can get some lunch at that Cajun restaurant you introduced me to on the last visit, before going to Jackson Square. I could really use a new painting for my room—"

"Lizzie stop." Klaus abruptly demanded, now standing at her level with an equally stern look.

The young girl's stretched smile deflated to a withdrawn frown. Her heart pounding cranky in her chest and her body went numb—unable to feel the over-pour of emotions hanging by a thread.

Cautiously, Klaus walked towards her and anxiously licking his reddened lips until he was across the room staring before her.

His loomed over her small figure intimidatingly, focusing his attention on her while hers was directed at their feet.

"I know you've been through quite a bit in the past 24 hours, more than anyone your age should endure." Klaus reasoned, reaching out to grab her shoulders comfortingly. "This is scary and surely you must have so many questions but we can't pretend this merge isn't real. We can't pretend it isn't happening because it is and we need to deal with how to move forward."

The girl laughed. "You mean like how my mom and dad 'dealt with it' by lying to me for the past 17 years? About how I'm destined to partake in a fatal duel of survival against my own twin sister?" She spat, looking up to expose her tearful eyes. "Or how you 'dealt with it' by running away from Mystic Falls the first chance you got instead of, I don't know, staying?!"

Klaus was perplexed as Lizzie wiggled out his grasp angrily and took a step back. Her cheeks a fiery red and small hands balled into even smaller fists. She was shaking but Klaus knew better than to approach her right now.

"Three days in your little blissful New Orleans bubble and just forgot about your family huh? You don't write, you don't call. What, you're allowed leave the problem like it doesn't exist but I can't?"

Her anger was manifesting, he could feel it.

He swallowed audibly. "That-that's more complicated—"

She screamed—more like a sharp screech like nails on a chalkboard—stunning Klaus. Her hands pulled at her hair unruly.

"Why, why is everything so damn complicated with this family! Complicated this or complicated that." She threw her hands up. "Why is that always the excuse used for none of us taking responsibility for the messed up things we do? No it's not complicated, it's actually simple. Just admit it, Klaus. Be the good man you want us to think you are...and admit it."

"You're upset, I understand—"

"Stop telling me what I am!" She groaned. "Or how I feel. I'm so tired of everyone doing that. You never did before. Just...just admit it..."

Klaus' own body began to tremble, but not out of anger.

"Admit what?" He asked warily.

"You left me, Klaus you left me!"

Her screams now accompanied with her thrashing the wooden cabinets of the dining room. The glass shield, along with the multiple place settings, now a scattered pile of pieces on the carpet. Telepathically knocking over every chair until the legs individually broke off, and shattering the lights above until they blacked out

Klaus' mouth opened and closed, completely astonished at her horrifically violent actions.

"Bloody hell!" He yelled, tugging at his hair. "Lizzie, what in the—"

"You said I could always depend on you except, when I actually needed you!" Throwing another plate into the wall.

He visibly swallowed. "Lizzie..."

"Don't come near me!" The witch sharply commanded when Klaus attempted to step forward, snatching a knife off the table in a haste.

His undead heart dropped into the pit of his stomach and face drained of color. The lump bobbed in his throat, wondering how they got here and how quickly could he deescalate the situation before venturing off to worse case scenarios. If he lunged at her there would be no chance.

Seeing no other option, he stayed in place holding his hands up to demonstrate his surrender but eyes never leaving the weapon in her small hand.

"Sweetheart, please..."

"You—you were the only person I wanted to talk to about this. Not Hope, not even Josie but you!" She exclaimed through clenched teeth, waving the sharp object aimlessly. "I just found out the most devastating news anyone could ever hear for their future. Do you know how that feels, to have your life taken from you like that, hm? I was the most terrified and angry I've ever been, and so confused. I needed you but—but you weren't there." Her sobs uncontrollable as she shook her head side to side frantically, the knife still in one hand—blade facing away—as she brought both up to cover her ears. Eyes pinched shut and face a deep cherry red.

Klaus stayed silent, not wanting to trigger her any more than she already was and cause more damage.

"You weren't there. I cried out for you, called your phone religiously all three days...but you never answered. You just left, without even saying goodbye. You left me alone. You didn't protect me..."

Correction: this was the most haunting image he's ever seen.

He stood there like a deer in headlights and an agonizing ache in his core.

The emotional thread finally snapped, and there was no saving from the rapture. When Lizzie wasn't scratching at her face and hair, she was throwing more furniture in sight and belted louder cries before helplessly falling to the ground—knees hitting first.

You didn't protect me...

Klaus experienced Lizzie's episodes before, recalling their intimate conversations where she confessed the amount of times she contemplated taking her own life. The dark thoughts she never went through with, but nonetheless scared herself to even let her mind go there in the first place. Klaus never told Caroline about the things Lizzie confided in him about, and he never would, but seeing her with that knife was cutting too close to home for his comfort.

He thought he was capable of handling her emotional mishaps, but this was a blend of pent up betrayal and fear that he had zero control over. So blinded by his own turmoil all he cared about was leaving the situation as quickly as possible, barely giving a thought to the people he was leaving behind. Not thinking, if he was going through he ringer like this imagine the twins. Knowing how Lizzie felt—how she's been feeling—and him being among the ones that hurt her made him physically sick.

What a coward, he thought, to abandon his family when they needed him the most? Caring for his then was all he cared about now, but already proving he was still capable of being a selfish prick with them. Failing at the only job that mattered—being a good father.

No more.

Rushing to her side, Klaus kicked the knife out her hand first then crouched down to cradle his incredibly strong but struggling daughter in his protective arms. Pulling her against him until she felt nothing but his warmth. Her hands stayed on her side, not embracing him fully, but Klaus was just relieved that she was allowing the hug at all.

Her tears staining his gray Henley as she buried her face into his calming embrace—the whimpers and screams muffled by his shield. Klaus caressed her hair and kissed the top of her head repeatedly, whispering reassuring words that she was safe as her cries continued to unfold. He wanted her to know she could be as vulnerable as needed, no holding back or saving face for anyone. For 1000 years Klaus suppressed his emotions to appear 'strong' and 'unbothered' but it only crippled him as the years went on—until Caroline—and even then took longer to understand what those feelings meant.

The huffing and puffing didn't let up the longer he held her—chest heavy and heaving.

Klaus gasped at the feel of her wrapping her arms around his waist, squeezing. Her death grip pierced into the fabric of his shirt as she healed onto him for dear life, never wanting to let him go. Each passing thought about the merge made her cry more.

Lizzie didn't plan on the outburst, not realizing how much she was hurting until the words began to spew. Her lungs felt shot , throat swollen and dry from the heavy cries and overflowing tears. Deep down this was the reason for her insistent denial. Discussing the matter meant it was real, and she wanted to hold onto the bliss a little while longer with the person who has made her feel the safest.

A few moments went by before Lizzie began to feel lighter and her breathing began to balance out. Her cries subtly ceased as she pulled her face from his chest. Lips plump and parted while observing the disaster she created—broken plates and glasses shattered on the floor and against the walls. Cabinet of silverware broken and chandelier barely hanging on. The shame began to overtake for not controlling her temper after working so hard towards not being an emotional wreck. As if all the progress she made was suddenly irrelevant. Hanging her head low until Klaus cradled her face in his hands, surprised to see his sunken reddened eyes matched hers.

In all the years of knowing Klaus she's never seen him cry, or any heavy emotion. He's been sad, sure, but nothing compared the bloodshot gaze directed towards her.

- Either he is the quietest crier to ever exist or I'm more self absorbed than I thought.

His thumbs swept across the skin underneath her eyes to rid them of the lingering tears, rewarding her with a sweet grin from his shaky lips. Even he was thrown off by his own wave of tears but...Klaus had a short list of people he actually cared about and seeing any of them in distress rubbed off on him.

Felt like 20 pounds had been lifted off both their chests, despite what brought them to this point.

"I'm sorry." Klaus said, his voice raspy.

Lizzie's sucked in her bottom lip, nodding her head.

"Klaus..."

He sniffled, giving her his full attention.

"I—Klaus—I don't want to die." She stammered, her throat beginning to tighten.

The hybrid nearly lost it, again. His eyes widened and mouth agape.

I don't want to die.

One of the first sentences Caroline ever said to him.

When he knew her strength before even knowing her—the baby vampire with the will to live. Who did not beg the powerful hybrid towering over her limp body for mercy, the way she didn't beg but decided to fight. How he could so easily see the same spark in their daughter's eyes...even if she didn't notice it herself.

Wiping away the remaining tears from her pretty face, Klaus nodded his head.

"I know."

Was all he could say, for now. Not even the miraculous Klaus Mikaelson wanted to give her false hope.

The exhaustion weighed down her eyes but she kept them open best she could, still holding onto Klaus but not as aggressively. Coming down from the emotional high took a greater toll than anticipated and felt if she tried to stand she'd fall over.

They were both mentally drained after confronting the realization of their mutual fear: losing each other.

Kissing her on the head again, Klaus lingered there a little longer and closed his eyes just to appreciate her—very much alive—presence. He didn't even have it in himself to be upset anymore, not even after the stunt she just pulled.

"Klaus, um, I said some bad things to my mom. Actually they were pretty horrific, and I don't think I can take any of that back." She sniffled staring up at him with regret. "How am I supposed to face her again? There's no way she'll forgive me."

He smiled. "There's no one with more forgiving bones in their body than your mother. The amount of chances she's given to people who don't deserve it, how many she's given me...you're her her daughter and she loves you more than life. There's nothing you can do that's unforgivable in her eyes."

"But—"

"You underestimate a mother's love, once upon a time so did I." The corner of his lips quirked up. "She understands you were angry and won't hold any of it against you, I assure you, though she might have some words about you running away which is valid."

They softly laughed. Lizzie bit down on her bottom lip.

"Do you still love her, my mom? Even after everything?" She timidly asked.

"Of course I do." He answered effortlessly, clearly making the girl happy.

"Good. Are you ready to forgive her?"

Klaus hummed, pressing his lips together with a sigh through his nose.

"You must be tired. Come on, I'll walk you up to your room." He said instead.

Lizzie decided not to pester further, mainly because she was in the same boat on how she felt towards Caroline or Alaric.

She allowed Klaus to help her onto her feet, making sure she was unharmed and stable enough to walk on her own. Granting him a sad but reassuring smile which was more than enough as he led her upstairs to lay down.

***************************************************

Mystic Falls, 9:30 PM

"Caroline, I never said I'm blaming you." Alaric tried convincing the pacing baby vampire.

"Our daughter ran away from home after talking with me, don't lie to me, because if the roles were reversed I would blame you." She claimed, still walking back and forth in their kitchen.

"It's not like we're running around like headless chickens anymore. We know exactly where Lizzie is and we know she's safe. Klaus would never let anything happen to her."

He was right, she knew he was but...that void remained open.

No word from Klaus or Lizzie all day, not even a simple text of when she planned to return. As badly as Caroline wanted to harass them, she rationalized—or rather Alaric talked her down—and agreed to give Lizzie time to cool off first. She was rightfully upset with both of them and needed space. The saving grace was knowing where she was and that she was safe, and also being aware of Klaus' well being. Why wasn't New Orleans her first guess?

"You need to calm down, here." Alaric calmly offered her a drink.

Caroline crossed her arms, turning her head to face him not realizing he was now beside her with two glasses of scotch in his hands. She reluctantly grabbed one before leaning against the countertop, biting her bottom lip and shaking her head.

"She hates me, they both do." Sipping on the bitter drink.

"They do not hate you—"

"You didn't see how they looked at me, or hear the things Lizzie said to me, and I deserved it."

"No." Alaric walked over to where she stood. 'This is on both of us. Mainly me because I knew even before you did. We both made an agreement about not telling the girls about the merge, we chose to handle it on our own."

"Then why I am I the only one feeling guilty?" She asked before downing the rest of her drink.

Alaric sighed. "I do feel guilty, Caroline, everyday I felt it too. You're a good person and exceptional mother and that comes with a heavy heart. You care about the people you love even if it means you get the short end of the stick. I really am sorry Klaus found out the way he did. It was never my plan to be the one to tell him."

"I know." She said.

"But it doesn't make up for anything." He realized. " I do hope Lizzie and Klaus return soon so we can finally talk as a family."

Caroline's eyebrows shot up amusedly. "Did I hear that incorrectly or did you just refer to Klaus as part of the family?"

He chuckled. "As much as I hate to admit it, and as much as I wish otherwise, you love him and so do our girls. Our clan keeps expanding and I would never be able to explain how twisted all of it is. But my personal feelings aside, he's your family which means to an extent he matters to me as well."

Not that Alaric's opinions on her relationship with Klaus ever made a difference, but this was a permanent arrangement. Caroline knew Alaric and Klaus were not friends and probably never would be, but at least being cordial and accepting of one another meant even more.

She weakly smiled, resting her hand over his on the kitchen counter. "Thank you."

Alaric returned the smile and the ringing of the doorbell immediately followed.

The two looked at each other confusingly, knowing neither were expecting any guests for the night and Josie and Hope were in their respective rooms.

Caroline waited as Alaric walked out the kitchen and towards the front door, too noses to stay in place she poked her head out to sneak a glance. The door was opened but Alaric's body was blocking who he was standing in front of him.

Moving closer, she noticed four pairs of feet and one were covered by black combat boots and the other was embraced by Alaric wearing sparkling white high top converse tennis shoes.

- They're here?!

Caroline was flashing forward before her mind could fully process her own speculations, which were proven to be true. Realizing her gasp louder than anticipated when it made all three of them turn to face her.

Instantly making eye contact with Lizzie—blue on blue—saddled and remorseful.

The young witch left Alaric's side and timidly approached her mother, twisting her lips with her hands anxiously grabbing at the straps of her backpack.

"Hi mom..."

Caroline exhaled a breath she unintentionally held before reaching out and pulling her daughter into her arms for the momma bear hug they both needed.

Lizzie felt overwhelmed with the affection, from both her mother and Klaus, but accepted wholeheartedly. Flaunting a close-lipped smile as she hugged her back just as intensely.

"Don't you ever scare me like that again, do you understand me?" Caroline softly demanded into her blonde curls.

Lizzie frantically nodded and hugged tighter, underestimating how much she craved her mother's touch. With a final sniffle, Caroline finally released her with a lingering smile, kissing her on the forehead before stepping to the side so she could walk inside with Alaric—leaving her alone with the hybrid. Suddenly the nerves settled in with the blank look he flashed towards her.

Three and a half days since she last seen him and nothing changed besides her amplified feelings.

Klaus remained outside on the cold porch while she was inside standing between the threshold of the door. Caroline hated not knowing where she stood with people, and Klaus' unreadable face did nothing to subside that annoyance.

- Maybe he's still upset?

She wanted to run into his arms the moment they're alone but, what if things have changed for the worst? What if he brought Lizzie back but is planning on leaving Caroline? What if he didn't forgive her?

She nervously gulped when he finally stepped more into the light—as handsome and imperfect as ever—his straight lips curved into a full smirk.

"Hello love."

Caroline's lips struggled to form a smile in between her relieved blubbering. She covered her mouth, embarrassed by her reaction from a simple 'hello'.

"You came back..." She managed to say, tucking one of her curls behind her ear.

Klaus' smirk only widened, decreasing the gap between them until they were only inches apart with him still standing outside the door.

Having him so close but so far was the most cruel act he could do to her. Those three and a half days felt like an eternity. Where she realized her life was no longer complete without him. He had taken her—body and soul—all those years ago when he swooshed into her life and she swore a long time ago she was done denying it.

Distance was not an option anymore. She missed him, god did she miss him, and his dimpled smile and masculine presence. If he wanted to stop her he could but all she cared about was embracing the return of the man she loved.

In a blink of an eye Caroline's body was colliding with his, face buried into his shoulder and arms securely around his neck as the tears already began streaming down her cheeks.

Affection, comfort and nurture were new concepts for Klaus who unfortunately had no experience of his own growing up. Not think he would ever be granted the opportunity to extend those feelings to others, let alone have people in his life he cared about enough.

Initially taken aback, Klaus completed the hug by encircling her waist and pulling her against his firm chest subconsciously. Inhaling her warm scent, hair and presence as if for the first time. He could feel her tears staining his shirt but it didn't matter, nothing mattered besides the woman in his arms.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..." She pleaded between broken sobs as she gripped onto him tighter.

"Shh, love...it's all right." He tried reassuring her, rubbing her back up and down soothingly but he felt her shaking her head.

"No, it's not." Her voice unwavering as she pulled away enough to look up at him.

Her eyes puffy and tired compared to their usual vibrant form—breaking Klaus' cold dead heart more than he thought was possible.

Klaus let out a low breath as her eyes bored deeply into his, demonstrating the severity of her plea, she continued to explain herself.

"I'm sorry," she repeated, "I'm sorry for not telling you from the beginning. It was never my intent to keep anything from you."

"I know—"

"Please, let me finish." Caroline interrupted and Klaus obliged. "First of all, the twins are your daughters as much as mine and I'm sorry I ever made you feel otherwise. For someone who is constantly being reminded they're biologically not mine and having to deal with judgmental gossipers, I should have known better. I wasn't thinking. Even if it wasn't my intent to hurt you I still said it, and I'm sorry."

Klaus understandably nodded. It was as if she knew that particular section of their fight cut the deepest.

"Secondly, I was scared. I've been scared about the merge since Alaric first explained it to me and when I get scared I tend to turn people away. It's what I did to you, and them. I'm so used to making all the decisions regarding all of this because it was the only bit of control I had. Then circumstances changed when you came back into my life the way you did. I never expected us to become what we are, or you loving the girls as much as you do but there's nothing I wanted more. Our relationship is means everything to me. I'm so grateful to have you in our lives. I love you so much and I'm so—"

His lips molded against hers before she could muster another apology, desperate and commanding as her mouth opened to him from the pressure—succumbing to the warmth of his wet tongue. Pulling at each other mercilessly.

There was obviously more they needed to discuss—starting with proper discipline for their delinquent child—and solutions to theorize but neither of them could find it in themselves to care right now. After being away from each other for what felt like a lifetime the longing for one another only increased.

Caroline raised her fingers into his hair, standing on her tippy toes while lightly tugging at the light curls on the back of his neck. Venturing up to trace his scalp as she pressed his face more against hers—if that was even possible. Needing him, inhaling all he had to give. His talented tongue drew out soft whimpers from her lips before aiming for another passionate kiss to explain without words how much he missed her too.

His determined hands traveled from her face to squeezing her sides and caressing her silk covered back, bringing her closer in the most demanding but loving way. Tasting the teardrops that fell down her rosy cheeks and combined with their interlocked lips. Klaus almost felt ridiculous fore leaving in the first place, no matter how angry he was, but the distance made his love for her grow stronger. Rationalizing his thoughts instead of lashing out—progress.

She was more than apologetic, he felt it with through every kiss and tug. His anger was warranted, but deep down he knew Caroline was coming from a good place because he knew her heart. Nothing about this was easy on anyone and that was the reality they had to face, as a family. Being with Caroline now, holding and kissing her on the porch where any Mystic Falls resident or student could see, was the insight he needed. All he wanted to do was take her inside and never leave their bed. To shower her with love and affection to make up for lost time—forget about the bad shit just for a night.

Following that train of thought, Klaus' hands now rested dangerously on her hips, suggestively, their lips still moving together in perfect rhythm as he blindly lead them backwards and closing the door behind them with his foot.

#klaroline #klaroline drabbles #klaroline fanfiction #my writing #klaus x caroline #klaroline shippers club #lizzie saltzman-forbes mikaelson

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wizardess-legends · 4 years

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New Faces

Summary: The academy being suddenly attacked by unknown soldiers as the prefects try to fend them off. However what’s to happen when some night class students appear to aid the prefects in the fight. (This was written later year as my introductory for Fay & Akemi).

“Gah! What are with these guys?! Better yet, who are these guys anyway,” Zeus had shouted angrily after recovering from getting hit by one of the spells. The small group of men were dressed in soldiers like uniforms that were glacier blue with accents of gold. “How about we worry about who they are later Zeus, we can’t let them get into the academy,” Lizzy said while helping Lucious sit up. The last three soldiers walked closer with their staffs at ready, seeming to stop a distance away from the group of prefects and deputies. “This is your last chance, step aside now or we will force our way in,” one of them shouted, giving the last warning.

The group was now standing once again preparing themselves for the oncoming attack until something strange happened. Suddenly there was mist that started to roll in around the soldiers who seemed to have been confused as to what was happening, then the mist started to take shape into a large hand and slammed down onto the soldiers. “Just when I thought today was going to be boring, you dumb-asses are in for it now,” the aggressive sounding person was none other than Viggo appeared with a grin on his face as he had his pipe like wand in hand already which seeing the delinquent of the night class was a surprise of its own, but surprisingly he wasn’t alone; in fact he was with two girls that were dressed in night class uniforms as well. The shorter girl had short rose goldish hair with a small pair of deer antlers protruding from her head along with big round onyx black eyes and the taller girl to the left had extremely long sage green hair though her eyes were hidden behind a short veil of cloth. “You misters are in big trouble now,” the shorter girl said in a lively yet cute voice while pointing an accusing finger at the invading soldiers.

“I do hope you know you’re breaking several laws and regulations by storming in here,” the tall girl said in a modulated tone whilst taking a step forward. Changing targets, the soldiers took aim at the three students and attacked.

~~~~~

Deflecting another spell I let out a small huff as these soldiers really were quite tough but it would take a lot more to get me down. “What’s a little thing like you going to do huh,” the soldier taunted in which I responded with a small scoff at the man’s insult.

I felt my nails grow sharper while I brought my right hand up to my mouth, glaring at the soldier. “Just watch me,” I said, giving a toothy smirk before biting down onto my palm enough to draw blood before removing my hand. “Sagitta sanguine,” I recited the spell in which the blood that seeps from my wound started to float into the air and clustered together making arrows as they shot through the air.

Deciding it’d be best not to let this battle drag on too long I focused my magic on forming my blood into a long whip. “Playtime is over,” I said, cracking the newly formed whip towards the ground before bringing my arm back and swinging it forward to give the whip momentum to lash forward. Having aimed for the man’s legs the whip successfully wrapped around one of his legs and latched on in which with a fluid pulling motion the soldier went falling on to his back with a thud sound.

~~~~~

Typically any other time I’m opposed to senseless fighting, but this I will not tolerate in which I reach up to my headpiece carefully removing it from my face slowly to soon reveal my creamsicle orange colored eyes. “You kids are in over your head, if you step down now we might just let you leave with your lives,” the soldier said as I could only look at the man in disgust, with that eye contact I was able to foresee what he feared. “For a man of your age and commanding position, you’re quite the insolent ignoramus to believe we’d simply just oblige,” I started to speak harshly before bringing my hand up to the air using my index and middle finger to draw symbols.

“Ame no iwatowo oshihirakite ameno yaegumo wo,” I chanted while further drawing the symbols at a moderate pace; however, before I had the chance to finish a gust of icy wind interrupted the spell causing me to get knocked back some. Just feeling the chilled winds made my body tremble, it almost felt like I was submerged into freezing cold water. Attempting to shake off that chilled to the bone feeling I brushed my hair off of my shoulder and stuck out my hand to continue fighting back. Starting to smirk I said in an amusing manner “You know, there’s an old saying where I come from; live scorpions in the pants make life interesting.”

It was clear I managed to confuse him which seemed to have distracted him from the fact that more and more scorpions were appearing on the ground and on him in which one even appeared on my left arm. Five… Four… Three I mentally counted backwards to see how long it took as shortly after getting to three was when he screamed in terror and began to flail about trying to shake them off. Snickering at the soldier’s poor endeavor to rid of the scorpions, I turned my attention to the fairly big scorpion crawling on my arm in which I’d slowly move it to guide the beauty seeing to it I handled her with care. Still admiring the scorpion on my hand I brought it closer to eye level starting to smile as the man’s screams didn’t cease in which I said in a matter of fact tone “One of the most fascinating things about these arachnids is that compared to all the other arthropods, scorpions have the longest lifespans; in the wilderness they can live up to two to ten years.”

~~~~~

The fight didn’t last much longer as the soldiers collected their fallen comrades and retreated disappearing into a cloud of haze. The three regrouped and seem to have a small celebration which was short lived when an angry Zeus started storming over shouting, “Are you three stupid or something?!” Of course there was an instant reply from Viggo who shouted back “I know you’re not the one calling us stupid! We just save your sorry asses!” Which it seemed Viggo shoved his hands into his pockets aggressively before going off to who knows where muttering to himself. Letting out a sigh the tall girl was placing her headpiece back in its original spot before crossing her arms over her chest before chiming in “For once would you refrain from shouting like a screeching wyvern Zeus.” Zeus glared at the green haired student getting ready to speak his mind but was cut off.

“ZEUS,” the shortest of the students happily called out while running at top speed. It seemed the angry expression the night class prefect had seemed to falter as it turned to a grin, catching the rose haired girl and lifting her up before engulfing her into a bear hug. “There’s my favorite person,” Zeus declared loudly as it was hard to stay mad at such an adorable human being which caused her to giggle, setting her down after a couple of minutes. “Hey are you guys alright,” Lizzy asked as she skid to stop from jogging over.

“Yes we’re quite alright thank you for your concern,” the sage haired girl said with an elegant smile slightly bowing her head. “Hey new friends to make. Thanks again for saving us back there,” Caesar said in a chipper manner as he and the rest of the prefects joined the group. “Hiya! I’m Akemi Yukimura. I hope we can all be great friends,” the short one rocked back and forth on her feet while giving a big toothy smile which of course caused Lizzy and a few others to just melt a bit from the adorableness. “I’m Fay Junix, it’s delightful to meet you all,” the tall girl introduced herself before folding her hands on one another properly in front before formally bowing her upper body and then standing properly.

After Lizzy and the rest of the group introduced themselves which of course wouldn’t be a proper initiation of friendship until Akemi gleefully gave each of the day class prefects hugs. “So we’re just not going to talk about what just happened a while ago,” Hiro brought up in his usual lazy tone which it seemed the majority seemed silent from not being sure what to make of this. “From what I’ve read from current events that’ve been appearing in the papers is that Graceus is having problems with Gedonelune as to exactly what the leading conflict is due to hasn’t been stated. But I can only imagine that from the uniforms of those soldiers, they’re part of the Graceus royal army,” Fay said, being the one to break the silence.

“If that’s the case then it seems like things are only getting worse,” Alfonse said putting his hand to his chin trying to think as the agents of the Ministry must have had an unsuccessful meeting with the ruler. “There isn’t much info to go off of so there’s no use in running around trying to solve something we know very little information about,” Lucious said rationally before Zeus could jump the gun with a stupid idea. “Grrrr if anymore of those loser soldiers show up again we’ll make sure to wipe the floor with them,” Zeus said as clearly he was still angered by the fact that those soldiers even attempted to attack the academy. “Well how about we unwind by going to the cafe and relax,” Alfonse suggested as not only would it be nice to unwind from the day but also a good opportunity to get to know Akemi and Fay better. It seemed Akemi’s eyes sparkled with joy at the mention of the night cafe as she jumped up happily as she shouted, “FOOD!” Seeing that just about everyone was in agreement the large group started to make their way to their destination while making small chat along the way.

#wh ocs #wizardess heart #wizardess fanfic #viggo la rochejaquelein gedonelune #fay junix #akemi yukimura #zeus brundle #alfonse goldstein #caesar raphael #lucious duller #lizzy luna #hiro tachibana

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ecfandom · 5 years

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Okay, yet another future HC idea. I have to put them down here or I’ll forget them for ever. This one is still murky in my mind, but similar to the other NASA one. Obviously, space has been on my mind...

SO:

It’s a lots of years into the future. We (as in human kind) have successfully completed the first colonization mission to Mars. (Bleh colonization, I KNOW.) Lexa was a part of that first mission and has been living on Mars for 3 years now. Back on Earth, Clarke is an adorable, nerdy edaphologist (studier of how soil interacts with living things, especially plants) who has been following the Mars missions with borderline obsession. Twice, she submitted proposals to NASA for the Mars missions, but was always rejected for the “irrelevance of her specialty to the current phase of Mars missions.” AKA they think her theories are bonkers.

Well, when two years into the colonization of Mars and their crops start failing, NASA and the other three collaborating space agencies, start to panic. They employ the best plant scientists the world has to offer, millions of dollars in federal and international funding spent over the course of the third year, trying to find a solution, but none of the Botanists, Astrobotanists, Agronomists, Chemists, Geologists, farmers and other experts employed can figure it out.

The colonization team on Mars are starting to lose hope, knowing full well that their freeze-dried rations will only last so long once their fresh food sources completely die off. They’re on a conference call with NASA when the director officially tells them that they “don’t have anything yet, but are continuing to employ the best minds”...universal code language for: “You’re fucked.”

Cue colonization team lead, Mission Commander Lexa Woods who’s all: “I’ve been doing some research and...” This NERD. I mean, they’re all nerds, they’re in space for gays sake, but what always catches people off guard is that Commander Woods is so smoldering. Like stoic as Eurpoa and hotter than Venus smoldering. Nerds can look and act like anything, this has long been accepted, BUT everyone knows there are two sides to space missions: the scientists and the soldiers. Take one look at Lexa, and you’d immediately expect a military background. Most people tend to forget she’s got four degrees from MIT, Stanford and Princeton, two of which are PhDs.

So all heads turn when this sexy ass space sailor who normally says the minimum amount of words required to lead her team and get the job done, speaks up with an “forgive me but you’re fucking WRONG” tone and is all, “I’ve been doing some research and with all due respect, you’re not asking the right people. It’s not the plants and it’s not the atmosphere. We have contended for all those variables time and time again. We replicated all of it over and over again back home, and know exactly what’s it’s doing up here, and according to all of our data, it should be fine. So what’s the one thing we weren’t able to replicate exactly on Earth? The one thing we barely understand?”

Silence.

“The soil. It’s leaching into our compost. It has to be. I have a feeling it’s the perchlorate levels. If Martian soil is leaching into our terrestrial compost, we’re essentially trying to grow our food in rocket fuel.”

“We’ve already consulted with the world’s leading botonists, Commander, I think they would--”

“I don’t want a botanist. I don’t need a three-million dollar moron to tell me what I already know. No offense, Jim,” she says to the mission’s botanist sitting to her left.

“None taken,” he shrugs. He couldn’t figure out what the hell was wrong with their food either.

“If you’re worried about perchlorate levels,” the director says, his voice measured, “we’ll re-consult the chemists.”

“No. No, you’re not--” Lexa struggles to keep her temper in check. She takes a deep breath, willing herself not to shout. Though they’d long since figured out how to cut the travel time of radio frequencies between Earth and Mars down to something nearly resembling a phone call, Lexa had grown up in her NASA career accustomed to the minute-long, sometimes hour and day-long communication delays it took the radio signals to make it to Earth and back, and she’d learned it was always best to use that time to find your composure, regroup and get the point across.

“Look,” she starts in again, calmer this time, “We have a botanist and two chemists sitting right next to me as we speak. Three of the best, and they don’t know what’s going on. Your minds back home don’t know what’s going on. I want something else.”

“What, Lexa? What do you want? We can’t materialize scientists out of thin air. We have tried. Our best option is to send a supplies mission to you before your rations run out.”

“That’s not feasible, and you know it. We can’t subsist on freeze-dried green beans for the two years it takes you to get a supplies mission here. We need to fix what we’ve got.”

“What do you want, Lexa?” The director asks in defeat. “You want biologists? Geologists? They’re all going to say the same thing. There’s only so much they can do from here.”

“Exactly.”

“Exactly what?”

“I don’t want anymore radio consults. I want someone here.”

“Out of the question.”

“An edaphologist.”

“No.”

“30 seconds ago you were willing to spend 4 billion dollars to send us a bunch of freeze dried meat dust. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Fix what we already have, Phil, and do it soon. Otherwise...are you prepared to tell the world you let 15 global citizens starve to death on a planet no one wanted us to stay on? Is that really where you want this to go? The world asked for exploration, not colonization, and this is why. We don’t belong here. But as long as we are, I’d really like to not waste away on this red hellhole for the next 378 days that our rations last.”

“Charming, Lexa. That’s real nice, I’m sure your team loves to hear their commander talking like that.”

“My team aren’t ostriches with their heads in the sand! They all know what’s goin on here. They know what’s at stake. Don’t patronize them by acting like a supply mission that gets here in two years is going to solve our problems. Do what’s right, Phil, god dammit!”

The silence that follows is so long, Lexa almost thinks that the connection has been lost...or terminated. Her backs hits her chair in exhaustion and frustration as she rubs her hand over her face.

“Who.” Comes the equally exhausted, finally, voice over the radio.

Lexa sits ups, re-energized. “What?”

“Who do you want.”

It takes her less than a second. “Griffin. Clarke Griffin.”

“Lexa...”

“I know what NASA thinks of her, but I’ve read her proposals and she knows what she’s doing, and with all due respect sir, if you didn’t have your heads so far up your asses about her father, you’d know it too. She’s the one for this job. If I’m wrong, permission granted to launch me into the Kuiper belt.”

A long sigh echoes over the comms, then: “Of all the people in the world, you want the daughter of the man who intentionally tanked a 38 billion dollar mission citing a misplaced sense of moral high ground.”

“I want the solution, sir. And she’s it.”

*** Part 2? Should I?

#HC idea

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katurrade · 6 years

Text

Come Back to Me - The Plot Thickens (8/?)

The Plot Thickens is part 8 of “Come Back to Me” an AU series. This takes place right at the end of Book 3 Chapter 10, following the bombing of the palace. In this story Chapters 11+ never happen. This is going to be a slightly angsty, slightly fluffy story and is following the story line that is Riley and Liam are engaged and are supposed to be getting married. This will start mainly from Riley’s POV but i will say when it is from someone else’s. This was written on my iphone and fyi each chapter will be pretty long! Tagged long post! Hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don’t own any of these characters, PB does. I’m just borrowing them.

Pairing: Liam x MC

Rating: PG. Just to be safe!

Summary: Drake gets some bad news when he visits Liam. He and his friends quickly make a change to the plans, but will it help? Can they really fix this? Catch up HERE.

Word count: 3,290 ish

Tagged List: @blackcatkita @captain-kingliamsqueen @mrsdrakewalkerblog @umccall71 @hopefulmoonobject @speedyoperarascalparty @liam-rhys @melodiouskeys @theroyalweisme @alicars @bobasheebaby @annekebbphotography @writtenbycandy

Side notes: If you would like to be added to the tagged list for this, I can make that happen ;)

Liams POV - Day 4 (Night) & Day 5 (Morning)

After Riley had left he just sat there, starring at either the door or out the window. The tears had stopped after a while, but his mind was replaying their conversation over and over again, on a constant loop. Particularly her last words to him.

It had taken him a while before he finally fell asleep, though it was a horrible night where sleep was involved. He woke up multiple times due to all the different sounds around him. But the one saving grace was he didn’t have anymore flashbacks or nightmares, as his sleep was to broken up for that. He knew his eyes were swollen and red, he could feel the burn in them, the sting every time he blinked. And he could bet his hair was disheveled and greasy, from all the times he had ran his hands through it during the night. He had been awake since just before dawn, finally giving up on the whole sleeping thing. He grabbed the IPad and turned on the first episode of The Crown and The Flame, hoping it would allow his mind some form of reprieve. It had worked for a little while, but then his thoughts pushed through and he found himself once again on the battlefield of his mind. Regardless of what his rational thoughts were saying, trying to reason with him that this was the right thing to do, something else in him was trying to tell him that it wasn’t. Urging him to go after her, to fix this, to end her suffering........To end his own. Even though he had no recollection of their time together, aside from what he had been told. He barely knew her, yet he was mourning the end of their engagement. The end of their future life together. He couldn’t fathom it. Why am I so upset?! Was her hold on me that strong? That powerful? That even if I couldn’t remember her.....my soul did?! Was that even possible?

He heard a knock on the door and his eyes widened. His first thought. Riley. Did she come back? He shook his head No, Liam, you pushed her away for a reason, she isn’t coming back. You can’t think like that..... But even as he thought it, a little voice in his head was hopeful it was her. He was having an internal battle with himself. Wanting to push her away for her sake, but pull her closer for his own. As the door slowly opened his mind was racing. Through all the noise in his head at that moment, the loudest thought was hope. Hope that she hadn’t given up just yet. Hope that she had come back to tell him she wouldn’t allow him to do this. Hope that this was the final shove he needed over the cliffs edge to realize unequivocally that they were meant to be. Then he saw Drake enter the room and his heart sank. A forlorn look took over Liams face, but in this moment he couldn’t hide his true pain. He had foolishly gotten his hopes up, only to have them savagely crushed. He promptly looked away from Drake in the hopes that he wouldn’t see it.

“Good Morning, Drake” he said as he slowly turned to put the IPad down, taking that opportunity to give him the moment he required. He needed to get a handle on his emotions before he faced his best friend. He took a few calming breaths, before turning back around only to find Drakes eyes piercing through him. Knowing without a shadow of doubt that Drake had seen the look, as he now stood dead in his tracks in the doorway.

“Uuh. Liam?” Drake whispered cautiously. “Are you okay?”

He cleared his throat in an attempt to mask whatever emotions still lingered “I will be” he said firmly.

“Liam....What happened? ....Not to sound rude, but you look horrible�� he said as gently as he could, while he slowly sat down in the chair by Liams bed, still staring intently at him.

“I had a rather unpleasant sleep” he took a deep breath “I also called off my engagement to Lady Riley” a tinge of sadness in his voice.

“You did what?!” Drakes eyes widened in shock. “Why the hell did you do that?! .......Wait......She allowed that?!”

“She had no choice, Drake. This was my decision, and I will not change my mind” he said vehemently as he starred unwaveringly at Drake.

——————————

Drakes POV - Day 5 (Morning)

Drake stared at him blankly for a few minutes before mumbling “Shit” under his breath as he thrusted himself out of the chair “Ahh...excuse me for a moment..” He continued as he backed up towards the door, incurring a raised eyebrow from Liam.

“I’ll, ah, be right back” he said as he slipped through the door. When he shut it behind himself the panic instantly sank in. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” He whispered over and over as he fumbled to retrieve his phone from his jeans. Nearly chucking it across the hall as he ripped it out of his front pocket, quickly flailing around to catch it mid toss. He made a group text to Hana, Maxwell, Leo and Olivia.

D: Houston, we have a problem..

H: Who’s Houston?

O: Really, Hana? Honestly, I just can’t with you people sometimes..

M: Apollo 13, Hana. I’ll explain later.

D: You guys, this isn’t a joke!

O: Then why did you open with that line?

D: I don’t know ...I’m kind of panicking here.

L: Okay, focus Drake. What is going on?

D: Ah...Liam ended his engagement with Riley..

L: Pardon?

M: What?!?

O: I’m sorry?

H: Oh fuck

H: I mean fudge!

D: What do we do?!

L: Okay, uhh. You’re at the hospital now, I’m guessing?!

D: Yeah.

L: Okay, new plan for today. Drake stay there, I’m on my way. Everyone else just hang tight for a bit. We will talk some sense into Liam then regroup and find Riley. Deal?

O: Deal.

H: Deal.

M: I don’t like this plan at all, we need to go find her. My Little Blossom should not be alone right now!

L: I know, Maxwell, but we have to attempt to fix this before we talk to her. We don’t want to give her any false hope. We will text you when we are leaving the hospital.

M: Fine. But if we don’t hear from you by this afternoon we’re going to find her.

D: Sure, whatever. Leo, hurry.

L: I’m on my way, Walker!

Drake put his phone back in his pocket, reinforcements were coming. Standing in front of Liams door he takes a deep breath then enters the room again.

—————————-

Liams POV - Day 5 (Morning)

He looks up as Drake enters his room for the second time that morning, closing the door softly and walking towards the chair. “Everything okay, Drake?” He asks hesitantly as he raises an eyebrow, again. Drake pauses nodding his head quickly “Yep!” He says abruptly before taking a deep breath and quietly adding “Just peachy” as he resumes walking, finally reaching the chair and slumping into it.

Now sitting in front of him, Liam takes a moment to study his friends face. He has known Drake far to long to be fooled by him, but he doesn’t want to poke knowing it will only lead to questions about the engagement ending. And frankly Liam just isn’t ready to answer those yet, but he also knows Drake wouldn’t drop it that easily. He cringes at the thought of what Drake just did in the hall. Praying he wasn’t staging some sort of intervention. I really need to get out of this damn hospital bed! At least if I can go home I’d have an entire palace to hide from prying eyes and questions. He makes a mental note to talk to Alex about that.

“Soooo......How was you’re year, Drake?” He asks, trying to clear the awkward silence in the air.

“Ah. You kno-“ he pauses to stare at Liam before clearing his throat “I mean, it was okay. Could have been better. Could have been worse” he shrugs.

“Ah” Liam says with a thoughtful nod “Well, Thank you for every thing you did over the past year. I really appreciate it” he warmly smiled at his best friend

Drake waved his hand dismissively “No sweat, don’t even worry about it..” he smirked then quickly wiped it from his face “..Liam....What actually happened with Riley?” He asked softly.

“It’s of no concern now...But I’m aware you’ve looked out for her in the past...and I graciously ask that you continue to do so in the future...these next few months may not be easy for her...” he trails off as a frown takes over his face. Drake opened his mouth to speak but before he could respond the door to the room flung open, revealing a frantic Leo, clearly out of breath. He leaned on the door handle with one hand, wheezing slightly, while raising his other hand up in front of him with 1 finger in the air. “One ...Sec...” he gasped out.

Liam startled at first then realized it was just his brother. He then turned his attention back to Drake who had also been startled by abrupt entry. Liam watched as Drake quickly turned to face away from Leo and closed his eyes tightly, as if trying to will himself to be anywhere but here right now.

He sighed heavily. This is what Drake was doing in the hallway... Quickly realizing this could be his chance to take control of the situation. To change the topic of their conversation before it had a chance to focus back on his engagement ending. Plus, seeing his brother had reminded him of their Fathers betrayal, of his unanswered questions.

He smirked at Leo “Hello Brother, am I ever glad to see you, I have a few questions, if you wouldn’t mind” He said in a chipper, sarcastic tone as he gestured his hand towards a chair. He watched as Leo visibly cringed at his tone, clearly unable to hide his distress, as it was written all over his face. Leo was never good at masking his true emotions, Liam would often use that to his advantage when they were younger. But even more so now as they grew older.

“Aaah. Ookay” Leo said nervously as he shut the door and walked towards the chair, still trying to calm his breathing.

“Now, Leo, care to enlighten me as to the whereabouts of our father, dearest? I have it on good authority that he has been making some..” he tsked trying to think of the proper word to use “..choices in my life on my behalf, and I’d very much like to address these issues directly”

Leo took a seat, he looked at Drake then at Liam “Okay, but before we get into that, what happened between Riley and you, Liam?” He asked firmly with a raised eyebrow.

Liam closed his eyes tightly and pinched the bridge of his nose, he should have seen that coming....He groaned “I’d prefer if we addressed the issue of our Father’s whereabouts” he could feel their eyes boring through him. That thought was confirmed when he opened them, seeing both men just starring at him, silently, expectantly. He knew they weren’t going to drop it that easily. He let out a deep sighed “Fine, Fine. But I request that neither of you approach this topic again ....at least until I am ready to discuss it” he paused to look between the two men “Is that understood?” He said sternly.

They both nodded. “Good” he took a deep breath “Because I honestly am not strong enough to relive our talk just yet. All I will say is I know about the scandal and my Coronation Ball, I chose to end things with her based on that knowledge. She didn’t deserve any of that, and I only want to save her from any future pain” he said sadly. If he was this unconvinced by his own words, he could only imagine what Drake and Leo thought. “Now, with that out of the way, where is father, Leo?”

“In order to tell you that we need to give you a bit of a back story first”

Between Drake and Leo, they filled Liam in on Constantine’s illness being the reason he had stepped down and the ballroom attack. But before they could continue Liam interjected “The assassination attempt actually happened?!” He paused, remembering his first nightmare, then the realization sunk in.

“Wait! Was Lady Riley shot at?!?” He exclaimed “How did she...? Where was she....?” He couldn’t finish those sentences. The thought that she had been shot, in his home, shattered his already fractured heart. He had no idea.....He hadn’t even given that nightmare a second thought. Why would I? She had been sleeping, very much alive, in his room when he woke up. Upon realizing she was there he had instantly forgotten about the nightmare. But now he was replaying it in his mind, the gun was pointed right at her chest, there was no way she would have lived through that. At least not without some sort of lasting issues. But he hadn’t picked up on anything like that.

Both Drake and Leos mouths fell open “How did you even....? Are you ...remembering things?!” Leo stammered out.

“You’re telling me she was actually shot?!” He choked out. His eyes started to well up as his emotions once again started to get the better of him.

Drake waved his hands back and forth as he hasitly respondes “No, no, no. We’re saying she was shot at, but I pushed her out of the way at the last second and took the bullet in my shoulder” he pulled the neck of his shirt over to show the bullet wound.

It was now Liam’s turn for his mouth to fall open, except this time his eyes widened along with it “Pardon me?! Y-you were shot..?” He stammered out “Y-you took a bullet for her?!”

Drake awkwardly ran a hand through his hair, rubbing the back of his neck once he reached it. “Ah....yeah, it wasn’t that bad...could have been worse” he shrugged.

Liam clenched his jaw “So I am to understand that not only was she dragged out of the ballroom but a few months later she was almost killed there...?” It wasn’t a question though. More an internal thought made external.

“Why!?” He asked pointedly at Drake

“What do you mean ‘Why’...? It’s Riley! What was I supposed to do, let them shoot her?!” Drake countered “and it wasn’t exactly my plan to get shot, Liam...I only meant to push her out of the way...I didn’t really have a chance to think it through, but with that said, I’d do it again in a heartbeat”

Olivia’s words rang in Liam’s head, the words she had spoke when he asked if Riley was with Drake. ‘He wishes’

His brow furrowed “...Are you ...Are you in love with her?”

“What?! No! Of course not! Where did that even come from?!” Drake exclaimed.

Liam clenched his fists “Don’t lie to me, Drake. Why would you risk your life for her then!?”

“I’m not! ...If you really need to know, I did it mostly for you..” he paused “You had asked me at the beginning of the social season to keep an eye on her. I knew, without a doubt, that you were truly in love with her then. I knew if anything were to happen to her you would never recover from it”

Liam nodded slowly as the room fell quiet again. He just starred at Drake, unconvinced by his words, but he didn’t want to continue this topic any longer and honestly he had no right to question Drakes feelings for her. Not now. Not after he had ended things with her. She was not ‘his’ anymore .....yet even though he told himself that, the thought of Drake and Riley together made his blood boil. Pangs of jealousy ripped through him like a wildfire. He bit his tongue to prevent it from surfacing.

Leo must have sensed that as he cleared his throat “Ah ...Shall we continue..?” To which Liam unclenched his fists and nodded.

They continued their recount of the rest of the unity tour, the other attacks towards the Monarchy and finally, the bombing where Constantine had died pushing Liam out of the way, resulting in Liam’s hospital stay and amnesia.

He just sat there. He couldn’t believe the last few days. Every talk he had with anyone only piled on more bad news. More pain. More suffering. He felt like his heart had not only been ripped out at this point, but had been put through a meat grinder. Here he thought ending things with Riley would have been the hardest part of his day, but he was so wrong.

He wanted to be mad at his father for all he had done, but he couldn’t be anymore. Not now. His Father was dead. He had died saving his life. No matter what bad choices he had made, Liam still loved him unconditionally. He never would have wished anything bad on him. All he wanted was to confront him. To say his piece. To hear his fathers side. But now, now he just wanted to hug him one last time. He hoped more then anything that they had mended things before the attack. That they had worked through their struggles and found their way back to where they had been before. Before the scandal. Before the betrayal.........Or at least as close to before as possible. His Father was a good man, but he couldn’t understand why he would have done all this to him in the first place. Why hadn’t anyone told me sooner?! Why hadn’t Leo said ANYTHING over the last two days. Liams anger started to bubble up and was nearing it’s boiling point. He was so hyper-emotional now. He was losing all control of his facilities. This was not going to end well.....

“Why am I just hearing about fathers passing now, Leo?! All this time everyone knew! You all kept it from me! How dare you....” Liams was fuming. He barely registered the words leaving his mouth.

“Liam, we wanted to give you a chance to settle a bit first before we dropped all the bad news on yo-” Leo tried to reason with him but was cut off by Liam “Liars. You didn’t do this for me, you did it for yourselves. You were hoping i’d get my memories back before you had to tell me. Cowards. All of you!” He spit out. The words made him realize that now was definitely not the right time to be having this conversation. He was clearly more effected by ending things with Riley then he could have ever imagined. He was taking out his anger towards himself about how he had treated her, about what she had been through for him, on Drake and Leo now. Topped with the news of Constantine’s death because of him, well that just made the situation far, far worse.

“Get out! Both of you!” He yelled “I need to be alone!”

Neither of them said another word as they both stood up, and exited the room. They both went out to the hall as they heard Liam yelling for Bastien.

“What did you guys do?” Bastien asked as he walked towards the door.

“He knows about our Father now, about all of it.....” Leo cringed slightly at his next words “Also, word to the wise he ended things with Riley .....sooooo good luck in there Old Friend” He smirked as he patted Bastien on the shoulder. With that Bastien took a deep breath in and entered the room. Leo turned to Drake “Well there goes the plan...”

“Yeah, it’s dead in the water now......We need to find Riley” Drake said urgently before adding “But first, we’ll need to gather the troops”

“I couldn’t agree more, Walker, the thought of going in without Maxwell and Hana..” he scrunched up his nose “..that would be a death sentence.” As they headed for the elevator, Drake pulled out his phone to text the others.

D: Meet us at Leo’s room in 20.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Chapter 9 - HERE.

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3wishesandthensome · 6 years

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Flash Episode Idea (w/ the twins)

Okay, so last night after the episode with “Dawn”, I started thinking about how most likely next season WestAllen will be parents. Iris is either gonna find out she’s pregnant towards or at the end of this season. There have been too many hints to suggest otherwise. So, with that in mind, I figured they’re probably gonna skip over the pregnancy (since we already have a Cecile pregnancy; seems kind of repetitive to do another one, although I hope we get at least a few episodes of pregnant WestAllen it’d be extremely cute) and next season the kids will be either toddlers or children. I thought maybe if they did a couple years time jump the kids would be toddlers or full grown children, if they rationalize that the kids maybe grow at an exceptional rate because of their speed abilities (kind of like Renesmee from Twilight). But anyways, I was trying to fall asleep last night and I couldn’t stop thinking about WestAllen trying to parent two little speedsters so I kind of came up with my own episode. I’m not a fanfiction writer so I kind of just saw the episode in my head and I’m just going to describe it out to you guys (with some dialogue). I personally think it could actually be an episode in the future!

This is going to be very long so keep scrolling if you don’t want to read! Btw, in this scenario, there’s really only been a time jump of about 3 years but the twins are physically and mentally the age of around 8 or 9 (I know this wouldn’t really happen, but for the sake of the idea, it only really worked if they were this old). Also, they usually refer to Dawn as Nora since her name (I think we’re all assuming) is Nora Dawn, but still sometimes call her Dawn or Dawny.

Enjoy!

So the episode starts out with the twins running around the house at lightning speed, even though they know they shouldn’t be. Barry comes down and wrangles them up, because both he and Iris know telling them to stop won’t do much.

“I’ll take Don,” Iris says, bags under her eyes, indicating the amount of sleep, or lack-thereof, she got last night due to the twins incessant running around.

“Why do you get the easy child?” Barry groans. He hadn’t gotten much sleep either. Actually he’d probably gotten less since he was the only one who could catch them.

“Because I pushed both these kids out of my -”

“Yes, okay, fair point. I’ll get Nora.”

“Thank you,” Iris says with Don already in her arms. He was the less problematic one. He always listened to his parents, unless Dawn told him not, then all bets were off. He followed his twin sister wherever she went and did whatever she did. This didn’t always lead to great results.

Iris left to drop Don off at school while Barry sat down with Dawn and tried to explain to her the importance of only using her powers when absolutely necessary. They go back and forth for a while but she eventually concedes and he gets her to school on time.

The episode goes on and they fight their weekly villain with the usual hurdles. The first fight goes wrong and the villain gets away. Team Flash regroups at Star Labs and goes over how to stop them. As they are deliberating the twins speed in from school to everyone’s surprise.

“Beat ya!” Dawn exclaims.

“Nuh-uh! I was through the doors first. I didn’t know you meant whoever was in the lab first wins, so I stopped running downstairs.”

“Not my fault you don’t get how racing works.”

“What are you two doing here?” Iris interrupts, clearly upset. She tried not to let it show how worried she got for her kids about their powers but sometimes she couldn’t help it. The city doesn’t know the Flash has kids. If their powers were ever discovered, it would only be a matter of time before people started putting two and two together to figure out who they were and that would eventually lead to the Flash’s identity being revealed.

Barry stood with his arms crossed in front of his kids waiting for an explanation, Iris behind the dashboard with the same body posture, while Harry, Caitlin, and Cisco, slowly exit the room, knowing the storm that’s about to be brought towards the young children.

“I wanted to prove to Don that I’m faster since I’m older.”

“By one minute!” Don quickly pointed out. Both Iris and Barry rolled their eyes.

“Still! I won so I’m right.” She shrugged and walked off with Don to the training room to start her homework, as they usually do after school.

Both Barry and Iris have their heads in their hands at this point, not knowing what to do about their persistent and stubborn children.

“Bare, we have to do something about this. If they don’t quit using their powers, something is going to happen to them. I won’t be able to live with myself if something happens to our babies.”

“I know. I know.” Barry slowly walks towards Iris and wraps his arms around his lightening rod. While in an embrace, he adds, “I didn’t get my powers until I was an adult. I could be trained and I had enough sense to know the responsibility that came with these abilities. They’re just kids. They don’t get it. I can’t imagine what how they feel. I mean even without powers kids just want to run around and have fun. It’s kind of like that but 100 times worse.”

Iris leans back to look him in the eyes and smiles. “Lucky us, huh?”

He returns her smile. “Yeah, lucky us.”

The next day, Barry goes to Harry with a favor. He asks him to build two small power inhibitors to suppress the twins’ powers, but subtle enough so they won’t know they have it on. Harry builds one into a bracelet for Don and another into a headband for Dawn. Barry takes the twins to Star Labs before school.

“Guys, I got you two some cool presents. I thought you could wear them to school.” Barry pulls out the new accessories for his kids. Iris watches lovingly, not knowing the gifts’ true intentions.

“Cool!” Don exclaims as his dad puts on his new bracelet.

“Cute.” Dawn says, a little less enthusiastically but still happy to have something from her dad that she oh so admired.

“Do you like them?” He asked his kids as he knelt down to their level.

“Yes!” They both said. Barry smiled so wide, knowing he made both him and his kids happy, for different reasons. “Good! Now, I’m giving these to you on the promise that you won’t use your powers for anything but absolute emergencies, okay? That means no racing, no speeding through your schoolwork, and no running home after school. Got it?”

“Yes, daddy.”

“Alright, Mommy is going to drop you off at school and I’m going to pick you up later. Love you guys. Give me a kiss.”

They both gave him a kiss on the opposite cheek and skipped off with their mom who was waiting for them by the door. Dawn looked back at her dad one last time before he was out of sight. Barry gave her an affectionate wink. Barry didn’t have a favorite child, of course. He loved his kids both to the moon an back equally. But he and Dawn had a special connection. She was just like him; not as he was as a child, but as he is now. She was always itching to help someone and oh so stubborn when it came to someone telling her not to do something. He admired her for her bravery just as she admired him for simply being her dad.

The episode goes on with Team Flash dealing with the uncaught villain and side storylines with Caitlin, Harry, Cisco, and Joe. At the end of the school day Barry goes to pick up the twins (it’s become a running gag in the show that Barry and this other carpool dad always get into it because they always end up blocking each other when picking up their respective kids). So while they’re getting into another argument, Dawn is walking out of school, with Don close behind her. There is another kid in front of them bouncing a ball carelessly. As the twins are walking towards their dad (who is still arguing with the other parent) the child with the ball loses control of the ball and goes out into the street to retrieve it, without looking to see if there are cars coming. Dawn, being the innate hero that she is, runs to push the child out of the way of an oncoming car because she knows she’ll be fast enough to save the kid without getting hurt. She runs to push the kid out of the street, and she does, but now she’s in the middle of the street, helpless without her speed working, and a car approaching quickly. A few parents scream, not knowing what to do, which draws Barry’s attention. He sees his little girl seconds away from being critically injured.

“NORA!” He screams and runs as fast as he possibly can to get her. He grabs her just in time. He cradles her tightly her on the sidewalk, not letting go even for a second, knowing he almost lost his baby, and it was his fault.

Back at Star Labs, Caitlin is caring for Dawn in the medical lab, just to make sure she’s not too traumatized from almost being hit by a car. She tucks her in while Don cuddles her from behind, making sure his sister is okay.

“How is she?” Iris asks anxiously, rising from her chair.

“She’s still a little shaken, but she’ll be alright. Don is comforting her. Two peas in a pod those two.” Caitlin says admirably.

“Can we go in and talk to her?” Barry asks. His head hangs down like it usually does when he’s upset or saddened by something.

Caitlin hesitates before speaking, knowing they’re not going to like her answer.

“It’d be a good idea to give her some space. I think she’s a bit embarrassed.”

“What could she possibly be embarrassed about?” Iris asks, wanting nothing more than to just hold her daughter and tell her it’s all going to be okay.

“She said her dad is the Flash, a hero that saves people every day. And she wasn’t able to save this one kid. She just really wants to make you proud.” With that, Caitlin walked off, unknowingly making Barry feel like the worst father in the world.

Iris sighs and looks on her children through the glass. “I’m just so glad she’s okay. She could’ve been seriously hurt. You saved her. Why do you look so defeated?” She asked her husband.

Barry can’t look her in the eyes. “Bare?” She asks again.

“Iris, I... I messed up.”

“Barry, what happened?”

He sighs, then let’s it all go. “You know the bracelet and headband I gave them this morning?” She nods. “They had power inhibitors in them to suppress the kids’ powers. I didn’t want them being reckless and I knew they weren’t going to wear them if they knew what they were. Iris, I’m so sorry I thought I was helping.”

“Barry, Dawn was almost killed today! What were you thinking?”

“I know, I know, and I wish I could take it all back! I thought this would protect them. All I’m trying to do is protect them!”

Iris backs away from Barry. She knows he meant well, but she also knows they were supposed to be a team, as partners and parents. He should’ve told her what he was doing. But he didn’t and now that’s all weighing on him.

“Iris, please, listen to me. I’m so sorry. I know you’re mad, but listen. The inhibitors were supposed to just keep them from using their powers until we could teach them the importance of -”

“Barry.” Iris interrupts, not looking at him, but behind him.

“I just wanted to protect -”

“Barry, stop.” She says, with a finality to her tone. He follows her gaze to their children who left the medical room and entered the main lab with their parents moments ago, just in time to hear what their dad had done.

“How could you do that to us?” Dawn says, anger radiating out of her. Both Barry and Iris had never seen her so mad. Hell, they’d never seen an 8 year old this mad ever. Don hovered behind his sister, clearly upset and hurt, but not as vocal about it. He had always been that way. It reminded Barry of how Barry and Iris used to be as kids. With her taking the lead and him always following her. Maybe that’s why Barry had such as strong connection with Dawn. Maybe it wasn’t that she reminded him of himself, but of Iris.

“Guys, I was trying to protect you -” Barry tried to muster up some fatherly strength, to not seem weak in front of his kids, but he’s defeated. He feels so guilty about what happened - or almost happened - to his kid. He can’t forgive himself.

“You’re always saying that, but all you do is lie! You tell us not to use speed unless it’s an emergency, but you use your speed to do whatever you want! You use it to do dishes, to get to work, to cook dinner, even to get us to school! You tell us to be honest with you but you lied to us and almost got us hurt! You’re supposed to be a hero. Heroes don’t lie.” With that, Dawn threw her headband on the ground with such force, Iris actually gasped. Then she sped off.

“Dawn!” Iris yelled after her, but she was long gone by then. She quickly turns to her husband. “Barry you have to go after her. Who knows what kind of trouble she could get into.”

“On it.” He says without hesitation. But he’s back within the minute without his daughter in tow. “I checked the house, the school, Joe’s, Harry’s, Cisco’s, and Caitlin’s houses. She’s not there.” They both turn to their son. “Don, do you have any idea where your sister would go? You know her better than anyone.”

They look at Don expectantly, but to no avail. He shakes his head sadly, not knowing what to do. Iris pulls him in for a tight hug, wishing she could do the same for her other child, but at least she can make one of them feel better.

Team Flash stays at Star Labs for the rest of the night searching for Dawn, but nothing is helping. Barry is normally tracked by his suit, and neither of the twins were wearing the one Cisco had made for them to wear for training. Wherever she was she was being still because there was no indication of a speedster showing up on the radars.

It’s very late at this point but the team is still at it. Iris and Barry are trying to stay calm for their son’s sake but they are both freaking out on the inside. All of sudden, the monitor in the lab pops up with this week’s villain. He turns the camera to Dawn, who is tied up to a chair with rope and her mouth is duct taped shut. Iris immediately gasps and starts crying at the sight of her baby being held captive. The villain tells them if the Flash does not come he will kill the child (A/N: in my head he was basically threatening to burn her with acid like the trickster episode so obviously that wouldn’t be reused but since this is a fake ass episode I’m going to use it lol). The villain isn’t aware Dawn is the Flash’s kid but he knows he wouldn’t let an innocent child suffer. He starts the timer at 15 minutes. After it runs out, the acid will consume her.

Iris covers Don’s ears, not wanting her son to hear the horrible things this man plans to do with his sister. Cisco takes Don out of the room while Iris loses it and runs out into the hallway, almost to the point of hyperventilating. Barry goes out to comfort her. He tells her he’s going to bring her back. He won’t let anything happen to her. He promises.

He goes back into the main lab and puts on his suit. Cisco advises him not to go just yet, seeing as how they don’t have anything to combat the acid and Barry will most likely get hurt.

“I don’t care! That’s my daughter and I’m not going to let anything happen to her!” He screams with determination.

Harry says, “Barry, it doesn’t do us any good to send you in and you get killed. Nora will still get hurt and Iris loses her husband and her child. We have to come up with a plan.”

“He’s right.” Iris says with tears still in her eyes. “We have to have a plan in order to save her.”

They come up with a plan (one I cannot be bothered to actually think of) and they head out. Before they do, Iris looks at Barry. “Barry?”

“Yeah?”

“Bring our baby home.”

He nods with certainty. “I will.”

At the warehouse that Caitlin and Iris triangulated the signal to be coming from, Barry, Cisco and KF show up to get their youngest member. The clock only has 5 minutes left on in. The villain takes the tape off of Dawn’s mouth so she can plea.

“Help me daddy! Please!” She cries.

The villain looks shocked. “Well, well, well. I had no idea the Flash had procreated.” He smiles sinisterly. “This must be so hard for you.”

“Let her go!” Barry says, his voice not wavering. He’s trying to stay strong for his frightened daughter. “This has nothing to do with her. This is between me and you.”

“Not anymore. Tick tock, Flash. Tick tock.”

The 3 superheroes fight the villain but they are each quickly defeated. Barry feels helpless as his little girl looks to her dad with desperate eyes, screaming his name every time he’s injured.

The clock is down to 2 minutes. Barry, on the ground and feeling hopeless, pleas with the villain. “Please… just let me talk to her. I need to say something to her before… before she…”

The villain sighs. “Ugh…I suppose. Better make it quick. 1 minute left.”

Barry is on the ground, so injured he can barely move. But he manages to muster up enough strength to look at his daughter, straight in the eyes. “Dawn, listen to me. Are you listening?”

She lets out a sob, but she nods. “Yes, daddy, I’m listening.”

Her little voice, sounding so scared, breaks Barry even more than he already was. But he knows he has to tell her. “Remember last year for your birthday party? All the kids had already left and mommy was putting Don to sleep?” Dawn nods. “And it was just me and you? You had had so much cake you were practically bouncing off the walls. And we started to dance,” Barry starts smiling at the memory, despite the current circumstances. “We danced so much and we were having so much fun. And you, Dawny, you started to shake so fast, and you had no idea how you were doing it. Remember that?”

Dawn nods, making sure to keep eye contact with her father, sensing something about to happen.

He looks her right in the eye, and says, “Do that again.”

Barry musters up all the strength he has left to leap at the villain, catching him off guard and tacking him to the ground. Dawn vibrates as fast as she can and the rope breaks off from her. The timer goes off just as Dawn is free. Barry runs to pull her from under the acid just as it starts to come down while KF has regained consciousness and freezes the acid before it can touch anything. Barry holds his girl in his arms so tight, she can barely breathe. But Dawn doesn’t mind. She’s so happy to be in her father’s arms again.

The episode ends with the WestAllen crew at the loft a few nights later. They’re watching a show they all hate except Dawn, who picked it. And since she had two near death experiences that week, she was allowed to pick the nightly entertainment.

Once it was over, Iris announces, “Okay kids, time for bed. I want those teeth brushed and polished by the time we come up and tuck you in.”

“My teeth are always polished. See?” Don opens his mouth as wide as it can go and shoves his mother’s nose in his mouth so she can smell his stinky breath.

Iris pulls back, laughing. “Gross!” As he runs upstairs she slaps him on the butt and he laughs.

Dawn pulls out a folded up piece of paper from her pocket and hands it to Barry. He looks puzzled but she doesn’t indicate what it is. She kisses both her parents before running after her brother.

“What is it?” Iris asks curiously, leaning closer to Barry on their couch.

“Not sure. Let’s see.” He opens it up for both of them to see. It’s an assignment they had to do at school that day. The assignment was to talk about your favorite superhero. Barry reads it out loud for them both. “’My favorite superhero is my dad. His power is being the best dad ever. He’s my favorite because he’s always there for me. Even when I don’t listen, he’s always there to catch me when I fall. He’s the best dad ever.’”

Iris didn’t realize but there were tears in her eyes. Barry wiped them away when he saw and kissed her on the forehead. It made him feel great to know that even though her dad was a literal superhero, she still saw him, Barry Allen, as her hero.

“Lucky us, huh?” Barry said with a smile.

“Yeah, lucky us.” Iris reciprocated. The two shared a tender kiss, and then went upstairs to put their kids to sleep.

So that’s it! In my head that’s basically how the dialogue went. I had a lot of fun writing this. I’m not by any means a fanfiction writer so that’s why is was very clunky. On top of that I wasn’t really trying to make it a story like on fanfiction, just a description of what I saw in my head. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed! I hope we get something like this down the line. I can’t wait to see WestAllen as parents!

#the flash #the flash fanfiction #westallen #westallen fanfiction #dawn allen #don allen #tornado twins #Barry Allen #iris west allen #Joe west #cisco ramon #caitlin snow #killer frost

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msbigredmachine · 7 years

Text

Learning Lines 2 - A Samoa Joe Story

Cece takes Samoa Joe up on his offer. The sequel to Learning Lines. Samoa Joe/OC.

Comments will be greatly appreciated!

READ PART 1 HERE

The heat of the morning sun reaches me before the light does, warming my face through the cracks in the mini blinds, as though hinting at me to get my ass up already. Turning tiredly in my hotel bed, I fumble for my phone on the nightstand to check the time. Six in the morning. Usually I’ve already begun my day. It’s the first time on a working Monday I’ve allowed myself a lie-in after the hectic week that’s flown by.

I’ve been in Connecticut all week, cooped up in Titan Towers with the Creative team drafting the script for tonight’s Raw. After the home run I hit with Samoa Joe and Paul Heyman’s segment, I was rewarded with sole creative control of the rivalry between Brock and Joe, mandated by Vince. I’m overseeing the rest of the main event angle, which not only means all the attention is on me to produce a potential feud of the year, it means I’m going to have Samoa Joe on my agenda a lot more often now.

Not that I’m complaining.

An entire week has passed since my little…encounter…with Joe last Monday Night Raw, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. That night has dominated my every thought; the memories of his hands on me, his fingers inside me, his lips wrapped around mine are etched in my brain with a branding iron, it seems. His parting words as he left me in that office, prone and breathless, continue to swim in my head, the tantalizing promise still sending shivers down my spine:

“If you want more, you know where to find me.”

A week has passed and I’m yet to take him up on his offer. I haven’t even mustered up the guts to contact him yet, and being so busy has given me time away from him and a perfect excuse to avoid him. Although I miss him fiercely, miss his company, I know I need some space to collect myself and regroup after the way I surrendered to him with no questions asked. Experiencing his intensity first-hand was overwhelming. I all but drowned in him that night, and I need my head above water in order to think more rationally. I pride myself on making decisions based off facts and reality, not teenage fantasies and a starved sex drive. Sadly, when it comes to Samoa Joe, my heart and my body stop being rational with just one look at his fine-ass self.

I stare at my phone, and for the millionth time I find myself torn between making the first move and stretching the tension further between us. I don’t think he’d have said what he said if he wasn’t genuinely attracted to me. And even knowing that fact blows my mind. I never imagined the great Samoa Joe would have ever looked at me twice, let alone have any sexual interest in me. My paranoia has been quick to point out on more than one occasion that my appeal only lies in what I can offer him career-wise, but he doesn’t strike me as the scheming type. Well, I have the chance to see him today as we’re all in this hotel, and I have some time to kill before I head to the arena. I do want to see him, but I can’t help but wonder; What will it be like when we meet again?

Sitting up in bed, I decide to rip the Band-Aid off and get it over with. Taking a deep breath, I open up my phone and send a quick text message.

Hi Joe. How u doing?

He doesn’t answer right away, but when he does, my heart leaps in a way it’s never leapt before.

Hey beautiful. I’m good. Been a minute. How r u?

Ah, a term of endearment. Things might not be so awkward after all. I forge on, encouraged. I’m good. U right, we shd meet up. Breakfast? Oh God. I hope he agrees. Now that I can finally look him in the eye, he better say yes.

Sure. I know a place by the hotel. I can text u the details and meet u there. 1 hour?

Oh wow. He agreed. Okay, then. I’m trying not to be too excited as I get ready. I pick an outfit that looks effortless yet glamorous. I style my hair and put on a little makeup. By the time I finish, Joe has texted me the name of the place we’re meeting. My heart is thumping like crazy. I’m a couple of minutes away from telling the man I’m crazy about that I want him. That I want whatever he’s offering. I’ve never been so nervous about anything in my life.

The restaurant is a five-minute walk from our hotel. I find Joe right away, seated in the far corner of the restaurant, busy with his phone. As I come closer to the table, he looks up and flashes me that sexy smirk of his. He stands up, and I drink him in. He looks damn good in that jacket and flat cap. Has it only been a week since we last saw each other?

"You look beautiful," Joe says to me, before his huge arms close around my waist in greeting.

"Thanks," I whisper, wrapping my arms around his neck. I love his hugs. They're big and generous and make me feel safe, protected, like I have a friend who truly cares for me. Change in our relationship or not, I'll never stop wanting his hugs.

The embrace lingers for a while, and when we finally pull away, I let my hands slide down to his chest briefly, my excuse to touch him some more. He pulls out the second chair for me and sits only after I do, being the gentleman that he is. I like how we’re seated; right beside each other instead of opposite. I get to be close to him this way, and right now that is all I want.

“I ordered breakfast already, hope you don’t mind,” Joe says, and right on cue a waitress comes over with a large tray. She sets it down in the middle of our table and walks away. My eyes immediately rake over the spread; pancakes, sausages, eggs, toast and fruit. “I definitely don’t mind,” I respond, and my stomach rumbles in agreement. Divine doesn’t even to begin to describe how good the food looks and smells. And my earlier nerves made me forget that I’m hungry as hell.

Joe takes a sip of his orange juice, watching me pour maple syrup over my pancakes. There’s a small smile on his face as he stares intently at me. Slightly unnerved, I speak up. “What?”

“I’ve missed you,” he says.

I return his smile, my heart warming at his declaration. “I’ve missed you too. I’ve been so busy lately with work. Haven’t really had time for much else.”

“Same here from my end,” Joe replies. “I’m glad you texted me though. I’ve been meaning for us to spend some time together. We haven't had a chance to talk about last Monday.”

Uh oh. The dreaded talk. Does he have regrets? “What about it?” I try to sound as casual as possible.

“I realized I was very forward with you that night. Too forward, I guess. It was disrespectful of me. I shoulda considered your feelings first but I didn’t, and I apologize for that.”

Damn. He does have regrets. But I don’t, and I need him to know that. “You don't have to apologize. I wanted it. I liked it,” I assure him, as he looks at me. “I just…I never imagined you thought of me that way. Didn’t think you were interested in me.”

But Joe chuckles, a deep, sexy timbre that stirs my loins, and he shakes his head. “Oh, trust me, baby, I've thought about you that way for months. Honestly? I've wanted to fuck you since I first laid eyes on you. Fantasized about making you mine in all the ways I know how. I still do.”

“Like dominate me? Make me submit to your will, right?” I ask, apprehension mingling with my desire as I glance at him.

He offers me a smile. “I know it’s not the most conventional thing to disclose to a lady you’re interested in. But yes.” His gaze remains intent as he gauges my reactions. “Does that make you uncomfortable?”

I pick at my fruit salad with my fork. "Not at all. I think every woman likes a dominant man, especially in bed," I explain, “I’m no exception. The bedroom is the one place I enjoy giving up control, especially with a guy I trust.” Setting down my fork, I lean suggestively towards him. “Lucky for me, you’re a guy I trust.”

I watch as his eyes widen slightly, then darken a second later. “Yeah?”

I nod my head. “Mm-hmm. That’s why I decided to take you up on your offer from last Monday.” I bite my lip as I stare at him. “I want more, Joe. Whatever you want? I want it too.”

His eyes glow with relief. “I'm glad to hear that,” he whispers. “There’s so much I wanna do to you, things I know you’ll enjoy. But that ain’t all I’m about. We can do it however you want."

My mind is so full right now. He wants to have sex with me. He wants to use me for his personal pleasure. And my body is already steaming with anticipation. I want to please him, pleasure him, even if it means a little bit of pain is involved. I’m a big girl, I can handle myself on that aspect. “As long as it’s nothing over-the-top like that Christian Grey crap, I’m good. Don't tell me you're a Fifty Shades kinda guy,” I tease him with a grin.

“Hell no. Screw that Christian dude,” he scoffs, almost looking offended. “None of that written contract shit, and I definitely don't need no Red Room to get off either. All’s I need are these soup bones right here.” He drops his fork to raise his hands and flex his wrists proudly. I watch him for a moment, and then, boldly, I extend my hand, weaving my fingers through his. We both smile as he closes our fingers together and lifts my hand to his lips. We look at each other with heated gazes, and his lingers on my lips.

“Come to my room tonight,” he requests, his face subtly inching towards mine. “I got a few things planned for you.”

“Like what?” I inquire, briefly closing my eyes as I breathe him in.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” he replies with a wink, hooking a finger beneath my chin as he looks into my eyes. His eyes flicker down to my mouth again. I know what he wants, and I’m going to give it to him to show my commitment to this thing we’re about to explore.

I lean over and press my lips against his, slowly sliding my hands over both sides of his face. I feel his large hand on my thigh, and I take things further by dipping my tongue into his mouth to taste him. The passion ratchets up a few more notches between us, and I'm almost desperate to drag him somewhere more private and ravage him.

Luckily Joe possesses far more control than I do, because he’s the one who breaks the kiss. His lips brush over my ear before he whispers, “We better stop, before I bend you over this table, pull up this pretty dress of yours and rail your sweet pussy in front of everyone in here.”

He makes it sound like I’ll object if he does. I’d have encouraged him if we didn’t face the threat of arrest for indecent public exposure, and that will be both our jobs in the toilet. So I restrain myself. Barely.

Kissing my cheek, he sits back upright and picks up his cutlery. “Eat up, sweetheart,” he says gruffly, gesturing towards my plate. “You’ll need your strength for tonight.”

And just like that, he’s gone into bossy Dom mode. Fuck. I want him so bad. I haven't gotten laid in so long, and if this guy I've been crushing on forever is willing to end my drought – however he wants – who am I to say no?

After breakfast, we manage to go our separate ways without incident. Joe heads off to the arena while I return to my hotel room. Walking inside, I find two boxes along with a bouquet of pink roses sitting on my bed. They weren’t there this morning. Even more baffling is that one box is labeled Agent Provocateur and is wrapped by a neat black bow.

Curious, I open them both. The unlabeled box contains a high, scandalous-looking pair of heels. The Agent Provocateur box unveils a very revealing, very sexy lingerie set. There’s a written note on top of the box.

Wear these for me when you come over. The shoes too. Hair down, and no jewelry.

See you tonight.

--------------------

Midnight.

I’m standing outside Joe’s door, drawing the coat I’m wearing a little tighter around my body. How I made it up two extra floors without being seen by any of the wrestlers crawling around this hotel, I’ll never know. I’m just thankful I got here in one piece. The heels are high as hell, but if this is what Joe wants on me, then I’ll wear it. Between breakfast in the morning and our rather raunchy texting session all through this afternoon, discussing each other’s limits, I’m more than fired up for tonight. He's told me about what he likes and his fantasies and honestly, I’m nervous and excited about the feelings he will conjure in me. Wetness pools between my legs just imagining what is to come.

The door finally opens, and my breath catches as I lock eyes with the hulking man in front of me. The hotel room is darkened but I still notice the silk sheets on the king-size bed. He’s wearing a black dress shirt, with the sleeves rolled up, black slacks, and no shoes. His sideburns and beard are neater than they were this morning. He doesn’t say a word as he steps aside to let me in. I move to the middle of the room and stand still, and he remains silent, his arms crossed over his chest as his dark eyes trail my body. Then, his deep voice rumbles through the room.

“Nice coat. Take it off,” he orders.

Shit, we’ve begun. I comply as I reach for the belt at my waist. I unbuckle the belt and tug it off of me, then my fingers close over the top button of my coat. I keep my eyes firmly on Joe, my hands surprisingly steady as I unpluck every button one by one. I gradually open the coat, easing it off my shoulders and shrugging it down to the ground. I’m clad in the lingerie Joe bought for me; stockings, heels and all. My hair falls down my shoulders, just as he instructed. Though I’ve always been at ease with my body, I’m definitely not accustomed to wearing underwear like this. Joe clearly approves of the outfit though, judging from the way his eyes have darkened, and a shiver of gratification licks down my spine.

“You look amazing, baby girl,” he comments, circling slowly around me, like an animal observing his prey. “You like dressing like a slut, huh?”

My mouth has gone dry, and I don’t trust myself to speak. Swallowing hard, I look down at the floor.

“Hey!” Joe’s voice suddenly booms around the room, making me jump, and he gets right in my face. “You speak when you’re spoken to, and you look at me when I’m talkin’ to you. You hear me?”

I respond before I even realize I’m doing so. “Yes.”

“Yes, what?” he presses.

“Yes…Daddy,” I say, and I feel a sense of satisfaction when his eyes light up, clearly pleased with my response.

He smirks, eyeing me up and down again. “Good girl. Now get on your knees.”

Trembling slightly, I do as he says, descending as best as I can to the rugged floor. It takes me a moment while wearing such deeply heeled shoes, but eventually I make it. Thankfully, the rug feels shaggy and soft on my skin and it’s instantly soothing my knees. I bow my head and spread my hands over my thighs, I hear absolutely nothing but the pounding of my heartbeat.

“Tell me why you’re here, Cece,” Joe speaks again. “Tell me what you want from me.”

I have to swallow twice before I can muster enough of my voice to answer him. “I want to give myself to you tonight,” I tell him. My hands, which remain on my lap, are trembling now. My heels are digging into my thighs, getting me accustomed to the pain that may come tonight. “I wanna be your slut, your whore. I want you to use me. I…I need you, Daddy.” I shouldn’t be saying stuff like this, but I know this is what I want so badly.

He takes in my words in silence, and I don’t know what he’s thinking. He very slowly drops down to my level. “Look at me,” he says, squatting to meet my gaze. “Are you afraid of me?”

Hearing it out loud sparks the truth out of me. “A little bit, Daddy,” I confess, “But I know you won’t hurt me. I trust you.”

“Good,” he says, and he brushes my hair out of my eyes. His touch on my skin sends shivers down my spine. He looks into my eyes. “Kiss me.”

I lean towards him and gently kiss his lips. He kisses me back, and I feel the moisture of his tongue slide into my mouth, soft and sweet, like his lips. He tastes so delicious. I am heady with need for him, and it scares me how vulnerable this man is making me feel.

“Mm, you’re all mine tonight, Cecilia. Daddy’s gonna take such good care of you,” he whispers, still on his knees with me, gripping my face as he plunders my mouth possessively. Our tongues are feverish against each other’s, tremors rippling through my entire being as he runs his hands along my bare arms. Abruptly, he pulls away, both of us breathless as we stare at each other. Joe rises to his feet with rather agile skill, and he gestures at me.

"Get up."

"Yes, Sir." I manage to do so, my legs wobbling a little.

“Get on the bed and stay on the edge. Face down, ass up. Spread your legs and don’t move.”

I move to comply without a word. I climb into the bed, which feels incredibly soft beneath me. I stay on the edge and bend forwards, keeping my chest on the bed, and I spread my knees far apart. My toes curl in anticipation. Fear, even. It’s been a long time since I felt this way. It’s foreign and scary, yet so daring and uninhibited. And I know, I’ve always known, ever since he mentioned it last week, that there’s no one I’d rather surrender myself to like this, than Joe.

I feel him come up behind me, and I shiver a little as he stands between my legs. His hand caresses my back and then up my body towards my backside. “Damn, you’ve got such a nice ass, babe,” he comments, squeezing my cheeks with both hands. His fingers then hook my panties, and he pulls them over my hips and lets them rest at my spread knees. I hear his low growl as my ass hovers in the air, my pussy wet and open for him, every inch of my privacy in his full view. I've never been this exposed before. I feel so ashamed, and yet so powerful, all at the same time.

“Mm, your pussy’s so beautiful,” Joe praises, and that only sends more moisture flooding between my legs. My lust betrays any embarrassment I still harbor. His hand slowly slides past my asshole and onto my labia. He traces a finger across the nub of my clit, the delicate touch making me moan and tremble. Then, the finger slips right inside my vagina. He moves his finger in and out of me slowly, digging deep, making me gasp and writhe against him.

"Daddy…" I moan, my hips rolling restlessly.

“I said, don’t move!”

Suddenly, his hand comes down on my ass in a hard smack, the sound cracking loudly through the room. I squeal, completely taken by surprise.

“Disobey me again and you’ll be punished,” he growls. “Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Daddy,” I stammer. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

“Good.” He continues to stroke me, and he finds far less resistance from my body now. “Look at that. Your pussy’s wetter.” he says, his hand swatting my other ass cheek, and he chuckles as a shuddering moan slips out of me. “Getting your ass smacked turns you on, huh? My naughty little slut."

I feel him now, his breath, right on my sex. He starts to lick me there, and my knees give a little but I force myself back into position. His free hand is on my ass and he spreads my left cheek open while he licks my pussy. I'm gasping and groaning with pleasure; his tongue is so long and wide, covering every crevice I own. His fingers keep sliding in and out of me with ease, and I involuntarily squeeze down hard on them. The tight tension increases my pleasure, and without thinking I shift my arm under my body, reaching down between my thighs to stroke my clit. But Joe sees this and pushes my hand away.

“Hell no! Hands off the pussy. Ain’t nobody gonna make you come but me. Not when I’m with you. Understand?”

“Yes Daddy,” I pant, barely getting the words out before he resumes licking and sucking me. My eyes roll in the back of my head as the pleasure sweeps endlessly through me, and my face dips into the mattress to muffle the moans spilling out of my mouth. My hand involuntarily grazes my inner thigh again, and before I realize the mistake I’ve made, he steps away from me, and he doesn’t touch me again for seemingly an eternity. I can hear him walking around the room, some rustling and zipping sounds, before he speaks again.

“Need to do something about your wayward hands, baby.”

He appears in my line of sight, and when I look up at him, I inhale sharply. He’s stripped completely naked, and I’m almost face to face with his erection. His thick body looks so smooth, and his creamy butterscotch skin gleams in the dimness of the room. His length is not as long as I’ve imagined, but his girth exceeds my expectations. I feel my breathing get shallower, my mouth salivating for him.

Joe notices my reaction and smirks. “Like what you see, baby?”

I nod enthusiastically. “Yes Daddy.”

“You want this dick?” He grabs himself and strokes once, twice, and my lower body throbs.

“Uh huh.”

“You’re gonna get it, Cece. All of it. Real soon. Stretch out your hands.”

I obey, extending my arms over the sheets. He grabs my hands and cinches what looks like the belt from my coat around my wrists. Now I am at his mercy. I’m trapped, going nowhere unless he says so, and it sends a wanton thrill through me.

“You look so hot baby girl, spread out on my bed like this, all tied up, that pretty ass in the air, your pussy open and wet for me,” Joe praises me, his eyes darkening with lust, “I can’t wait to fuck you. I’ma pound that pussy till you’re screaming so loud you’ll wake up the entire hotel.”

He returns to his position behind me, I feel his huge hands on my hips, skimming up my body and over my belly. I gasp as he cups my lace-clad breasts, rubbing them in a slow, sensual massage. He shifts forward and presses his huge body against mine, and I groan as I feel his erection pushing against my backside. His chuckle is deep and raspy in my ear, and he slides my hair to the side so he can press his lips to my shoulder and neck. His legs brush the backs of mine as he stands back upright and grips my hips tightly, his dick flush against my pussy and ass. He grinds against my ass, making me feel how hard he is for me. His breathing is shallower, heavier, as is mine. He lets go of my hips and there’s a small tearing sound, a condom, if I’m not mistaken. Then, all of a sudden, his dick pushes into my pussy, and I groan out loud as he slides easily into me. For a long moment, he doesn’t move, and I whine impatiently when I feel his dick spasm a little inside me.

At long last, he starts to move, pushing deep inside me, and a long, loud moan escapes me when he fills me to my root. He holds my hips in a vice-like grip as he starts to rock against me, moving in and out of me slowly, pulling out a little further and then thrusting back in. I whimper, my fingers clutching the sheets as best as they can with my bound wrists. The feel of him sliding deep inside me is indescribable. My moans grow louder as he grinds himself into me, forcing me to take every inch of him.

"Fuck, Joe!"

"That’s right, you moan my name. Let ‘em all know who’s givin’ you this good dick." His hands are all over my ass, squeezing and tugging the supple flesh. He pulls back again, then slams inside me, buried to the hilt, and grinds into me some more.

“Shit!” I moan, my head falling forwards, my wetness increasing exponentially. “Oh my god, you’re so fuckin’ deep…”

“Whose pussy is this?”

"Yours, Daddy,” I spit out, crying out again when he smacks my ass.

“Yes, mine. Fuck, you feel so good, baby, so tight,” he rasps, pumping hard and fast into me now. “Take this dick. Take all this big dick," he urges me with a slap to my other ass cheek, and we both groan when I tighten around him in response. He yanks me upright, pressing my back flush against his body. His massive hand winds around my neck, and like the wanton slut that I am, I hum my appreciation.

“Yeah, you like that?” Joe asks huskily, “Like bein’ choked, you dirty slut?”

“Yes. Choke me, Daddy,” I plead, and he’s happy to oblige me, tightening his grip around my throat, and fuck it feels so good.

He turns my face towards him and presses my lower jaw, forcing my mouth open. He rolls his tongue between my lips and kisses me with a passion that melts me in his arms. With his other hand, he yanks my bra cups down and grabs my exposed breast. He pinches my nipple with his strong, rough fingers, causing me to moan into his mouth, the pain only fueling my pleasure. It’s like magic, his hands, his mouth, his dominance, and I’ve fallen under his spell.

“Daddy, please,” I beg, my mind in a million different places right now, “I need to come, Daddy. Make me yours, baby.”

My breathless pleas are music to his ears. With a hungry growl, he pulls my panties the rest of the way down my legs and climbs into the bed behind me. He uses his thick legs to pin mine to the bed, trapping me underneath him. He thrusts into me hard, and I scream and curse loudly at how deep he suddenly is inside me. He presses his hand over the back of my neck and pushes me further into the sheets, and I’m moaning with reckless abandon as he slams his dick into me over and over, my prone body shifting on the bed with every thrust. My arms, bound and outstretched in front of me, are starting to ache, but it’s nothing compared to the incredible sensations sweeping through me. I hear him grunt as he leans his body over mine, caging me in as he continues to fuck me hard from behind. I want to match his movements so badly, but he’s locked me in, trapping me in a deliciously animalistic way.

“Come for me, baby girl,” Joe gasps. He wraps my hair around his hand and gives it a sharp tug, forcing my head up. “Come on…”

“Fuck! Joe!” I whine as my body arches, my legs starting to shake. “Oh fuck, I’m fuckin’ coming!”

“Do it. Come for Daddy,” he commands.

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to brace myself for impact. The orgasm rushes over me with incredible force, and I gush all over his dick. I’m weak, I’m spent, and I would have collapsed if Joe’s arms weren’t locked around me, holding me tight. He pumps inside me a few more times before he lets out this animalistic groan that I’ve never heard before, his face tucked in the crook of my neck as he pulses heavily inside me. He relaxes, finally, and his body sags against mine, both of us panting hard, struggling to recover. It feels like I’m in another world, but in a strange way, I feel more connected to this man than I've ever been to anyone else in my life.

Realizing he may be crushing me with his weight, Joe clambers off me. “Sorry,” he mumbles. He gently pulls out of me, and I instantly miss his weight on me, his manhood inside me.

He shifts above me to untie the bonds from my wrists. From there, he pulls off my shoes and tosses them to the floor, while I manage to dispose of my bra. I lay next to him and he curls me into his chest, running his hand up and down my back. "Cece, you okay?" he asks.

"Mmm-hmm..." I mumble against his throat, still on Cloud Nine.

"Answer me properly, babe."

"I'm fine."

“How was it for you?” he inquires, and the concern morphs into something else. The commanding, aggressive Dom is gone, and with the way he looks at me as he awaits my reply, it’s almost as if he’s seeking my approval, like he hopes he’s impressed me.

“It was amazing, babe.” I slide my hand up his chest, my voice a soft purr as I curl up against him, kissing his neck a few times. “You’re amazing.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Joe whispers, his fingers threading soothingly through my hair. “Perhaps we will play again sometime. Only a little less rough, and after a date or two, maybe.”

I look up at him, my heart racing at what he suggests. I watch as he brings my wrists up to his mouth and kisses each of them softly, rubbing the red marks that are starting to appear. The act is tender and unexpected, and as he gazes adoringly at me, a sensation far more intimate than lust, a feeling that has plagued me for months, threatens to overwhelm me again. I’m so tempted to put myself on the line, put my job on the line, for him. And I’m scared. Scared that he might still walk away in the end. Scared that this thing happening between us will only lead to my heart getting broken.

But I push all the negatives aside and settle for kissing him deeply, confirming once again, without words, that whatever he’s offering…I want it. I want this, I want him, in any way I can have him.

There are no certainties for the future, but for once in my life, that doesn't matter to me. I am happy at the possibility for more between me and Joe. Maybe I don’t need it all figured out beforehand. I don't have to worry about what may or may not happen. So I’m just going to see where this leads.

THE END.

-----------------

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#samoa joe #msbigredmachine #Learning Lines #samoa joe fanfiction #samoa joe fanfic

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scottharper · 7 years

Note

Writing prompts: “You’re really soft.” for Coryder, please and thank you!

Pairing: Scott/CoraPrompt: 33. “You’re really soft.”

One of these days I won’t let the length of these drabbles get away from me. Today is not that day. Thanks for the prompt! :D

—–

The rational part of her feels like they’re just wasting water at this point, but tonight’s one of the few nights that Cora had decided to ignore her internal voice of reason, and had instead convinced herself that after the day they’d had, a long shower was more than deserved.

She and Scott had been up since early that morning, scouting out another potentially habitable new world somewhere on the outskirts of the Zaubray system with Drack, and what should have just been a few hours of recon and exploration turned into a firefight against an unexpected Kett presence.

They’d hit several camps scattered all over, finding evidence of a larger base somewhere on the unnamed planet, and Scott had called down another squad as SAM pinpointed the location of the main encampment, deeming their presence too much of a threat to ignore. They still had two more monoliths to find, which would hopefully clear up the seismic activity that shook the ground under their feet every few hours, and the last thing they needed was kett striking against them every step of the way.

The encampment was located and hit within the hour, with Scott taking Drack and Liam in on one side while Cora, Peebee, and Jaal rushed from the other. Vetra had stayed up on a hill near the Nomad to take her targets down with a sniper rifle but also to keep a look-out for any incoming dangers. It was fortunate that she did, since not only did the kett have two drop ships of reinforcements come in but the chaos had lured in a few eirochs and a pack of wild adhi as well. Why the Andromeda wildlife always rushed towards the gunfire and flames, Cora would never understand.

The battle had nearly gone sideways after that. The eirochs were, for whatever reason, more interested in attacking the Pathfinder team than the kett, and one of them had grabbed Jaal and nearly broken his leg before Scott and Cora had rescued him at the last second with a biotic combo. They’d all had to focus their attention on taking out the attacking beasts first, which had given the Kett time to regroup and lock themselves into the various prefabs scattered around the area.

SAM had gotten all the door unlocked by the time all the creatures were dead, of course, but the eirochs and adhi hadn’t gone down without a fight, and most of them were bruised and bitten by the time they turned their focus to taking out the kett holed up in the buildings.

That hadn’t gone as smoothly as they would’ve liked either; one of the doors was rigged with explosives by some kett willing to die if it meant taking them out. The explosion didn’t kill them, thanks to Cora and Peebee hastily throwing up some shields, but Scott had still been thrown back about 15 feet and Liam had to be retrieved from the battlefield by Vetra when he started to show signs of a concussion after the blast knocked him back against a kett rover.

By the time the last kett was dead they were ill-tempered and exhausted, all of them covered in various bruises, blood, and scrapes, and most were so tired that the Tempest had to fly in to retrieve them, rather than just shuttling the team back to their own temporary camp with the Nomad and resting there.

Lexi was waiting in the cargo bay when they all limped in, and had nearly had a conniption when she saw the state they were in. She’d even called Suvi in to help her patch up the worst of their injuries, while Scott told Kallo to head for the Nexus. They literally trusted Lexi with their lives but she was just one doctor with limited supplies versus a very battered team.

By the time they got back to the Nexus and had gotten everyone patched up to the joint satisfaction of Dr. T’Perro and Dr. Carlyle nearly six hours had passed since the battle had ended, and Cora and Scott were nearly dead on their feet. They opted to go to Scott’s rarely used apartment rather than make the trek back to the Tempest, where they’d been for the past hour. The apartment went largely unused, but there were times like now that they were both very thankful that he had it.

They’d spent about fifteen minutes of that hour lounging on his couch before getting up and into the shower that they were currently enjoying, keeping each other upright as they scrubbed away sweat, blood, and who the hell knew what else off of their body, all the while being mindful of each others bruises and scrapes, and though being under the hot water had woken them up a little their mutual weariness was still evident.

Again, the shower had probably lasted too long already but damned if they hadn’t earned it.

Scott had pulled her close once they were both clean enough and she’d been leaning against him for the past few minutes as they stood under the warm spray of water, her head against his chest as she listens to the soft beat of his heart. Scott’s head was currently resting on top of hers, and if it weren’t for him frequently nuzzling his cheek into her hair she might’ve thought he’d fallen asleep where he stood.

One of them probably would doze off if they didn’t get out soon but the warm water feels fantastic against her sore body and she’s seeing very little appeal to withdrawing from Scott’s embrace, as enticing as the thought of going to sleep might be at that moment. Scott likewise seems to be in no hurry to move, holding her close as he gently sways the two of them in place, and letting out a happy little sigh when she presses a soft kiss to his wet collarbone.

Eventually Scott stirs against her, moving his head back just far enough to brush his lips against her forehead. She smiles as she watches him; his eyes are shut, a look of pure contentment on his face as he steps closer to her, gently nudging his nose against hers as he leans down and presses a warm kiss to her lips.

Cora hums softly as she reciprocates, and the kiss is sloppy and unhurried and still so perfect. He reaches up to rub his hands along her shoulders when he finally draws back again, flashing her a smile as she lays her head against his shoulder.

Scott turns to kiss her cheek, nuzzling their heads together. She feels his hands slide from her shoulders and down along the slight curve her back, stopping just above her backside, but his movements are slow and almost lazy. There’s no obvious intent behind the touches even as he pulls her a little closer to him, his palms sliding towards her hips and up along her sides, and Cora squirms when the light brushes from his fingertips started to tickle.

She raises her head from his shoulder to look at him, smiling when she sees that it takes Scott several seconds to respond, slowly blinking his eyes open to meet her gaze. “Hm?”

“What’re you doing?”

“Struggling to stay awake, mostly..”Scott mumbles before he leans his head back down, eyes closing as he nuzzles his forehead against hers, and his hands stroke her sides before settling once more on the curve of her hips. “You’re really soft..”

“Probably because I’m soaking wet,” Cora replies before she can catch herself, and she tries not to roll her eyes when Scott raises his head up again, opening his eyes as he gives her a borderline lecherous grin. “Don’t flatter yourself, pal. The shower gets all the credit this time.”

“Aww.. Not even partial credit for me?” Scott asks with a half-wounded look, and Cora huffs out a laugh, shaking her head before she kisses him again. Scott pouts a little as she draws back, though it doesn’t last long before he’s smiling again. “Fine, but in my defense I’m running on fumes right now..”

“You and me both, sweetheart,” Cora replies before a yawn escapes her, as if admitting that she was exhausted had reminded her body just how long and bruising their day had been. Scott hums softly in reply, kissing her nose again before he steps away to shut the water off. They forego grabbing their fresh change of clothes, instead just toweling themselves off enough so that they wouldn’t drip any water onto the floor before the two of them exit the bathroom, making a beeline for the bed across the room.

Scott flops down onto the mattress first as soon as Cora pulls back the blanket, stretching out across his side with a satisfied groan as she settles in beside him. They scoot towards each other immediately and Scott pulls her close as she tucks herself up against his side, laying her head on his shoulder. He presses his head close to hers, breathing in the scent of shampoo still clinging to her damp hair before kissing her forehead. Cora tilts her head back to look up at him, cupping his stubbled cheek in her hand and smiling as he leans into the contact.

“Wouldn’t mind sleeping for the next twenty-four hours,” Scott mumbles after Cora draws her hand back, sitting up just enough to pull the blankets over their bare bodies and Cora closes her eyes, humming a soft agreement. They probably could, with no pressing missions lined up for tomorrow, but her internal clock hadn’t let her sleep in since she was a teenager. But if nothing else she could at least enjoy a day of just lounging around with the man she loved.

Scott exhales deeply, his own eyes sliding shut as he snuggles down into the bed, his left arm coming up to wrap around her middle and hold her against him, and Cora can’t help but smile at how secure and safe she feels right now in his arms. She presses herself closer to Scott, one hand coming up to rest against his chest, her fingers tracing random patterns until it draws a low, content grunt from him.

She’s almost asleep when Scott lets out a soft noise, starting to stir beside her. “How’d I get so lucky?” he mutters into her ear, and Cora tilts her head to look up at him again. A sleep smile tugs at his mouth but his eyes are still closed, and now she’s wondering if he even knows he’s speaking out loud. It wasn’t the first time he’d talked to her while half-asleep. “Most amazing woman in two galaxies.. falls for a dope like me..”

Cora watches him for another moment, looking for any sign that he was awake and very much aware of what he was saying but he doesn’t stir again, his breathing evening out and now she was pretty sure he was asleep. She smiles again, burying her face into his chest as a soft blush heats her face.

Right now, she was pretty sure that she was the lucky one.

—–

#Coryder #Scott Ryder #Cora Harper #getting writing prompts from one of my favorite writers is so flattering and surreal #tlcinbflo #MyMEFics

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smartgirlsaremean · 7 years

Text

My Heart’s in the Highlands - Chapter 12

Fandom: OUAT, Hamish Macbeth

Pairing: Bellish

Rating: T

Summary: With Rumplestiltskin gone, Belle can't face going back to the Enchanted Forest without him. She leaves Storybrooke forever, travels the world, and ends up in a small village in Scotland, where she meets a constable with a very familiar face.Nominated for Best Anyelle in the 2017 TEAs.

Chapter 12: The Net of a Stranger

Belle had been distracted all morning, not least because Hamish hadn’t come in, though she’d honestly expected that. Their conversation the night before had been emotionally draining, and she understood that he would probably need some time to regroup and poke some of those feelings back into their usual corners. His courage in revealing so much to her had both thrilled and humbled her. Pain had been evident in every word and gesture, but he hadn’t made excuses or tried to justify his actions. He was a far better man than he gave himself credit for.

Her own secrets now weighed on her more heavily than ever, but really, how on Earth was she supposed to tell him the truth? If he didn’t think she was delusional, he’d think she was lying, and somehow she suspected that would be worse.

Belle sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache coming on.

“Excuse me.”

She blinked and looked up at the unfamiliar voice.

“Hi,” the tall man said with a smile and outstretched hand. “I’m Christoph Walsh.”

“Belle French,” Belle smiled back, taking his hand. “Is there something I can help you with?”

“I hope so.” Mr. Walsh tucked his hands in his pockets and bent towards her. “I’m a writer - a folklorist, really - and I’ve been traveling around Scotland collecting local stories. I don’t suppose you have any books on that topic, do you?”

“I do.” Belle led him to a section she’d set aside specifically for books on local topics. “That sounds like an interesting study. Where have you been so far?”

He named a few small towns nearby and told her a few of the stories he’d heard. “I’d like to interview locals as well,” he concluded.

“Well, the Stag is the perfect place for that. There are several people here who’d be more than happy to bend your ear.”

His smile brightened a notch. “I don’t suppose, uh, you’d care to accompany me?”

“Oh!” Belle blinked. “That’s very kind of you, but I’m not really local, I don’t know any stories.” The flirtatious gleam hadn’t left his eyes and Belle looked away. “I’m a bit busy here, but perhaps I’ll see you there later.”

“I certainly hope so.” He straightened and walked over to a table with his armful of books. Pulling a large notepad from his messenger bag, he sat and carefully arranged the books around him. He glanced up and met her eyes. “Well, it’s not as if I can check them out, is it?” he pointed out with a grin.

Belle shook her head and went back to the desk, aware of the scratch of his pen and the flutter of the pages as he took notes. She glanced at him now and then as he sat there, but he didn’t look up again, seemingly completely absorbed in his task. American, according to his accent. Tall and good-looking, mop of brown hair, dark eyes. She’d never heard of a folklorist named Walsh, but perhaps he was just starting out. A few patrons came in and out, shooting him curious looks, but he paid them no attention.

After a few hours he closed all the books and stacked them, then carried them to the desk. “I don’t suppose I could persuade you to hold these to the side for a little while?”

“I guess I could,” she smiled, pushing the stack to one side of the desk. “I doubt there’ll be a sudden run on local folklore.”

“Thanks for all your help,” he said cheerfully, shouldering his bag. “Maybe I’ll see you later? The Stag, you said?”

She nodded and avoided his eyes; the twinkle was back.

“Okay, then. Have a great day, Belle.”

“Another incomer? I dinnae like it,” Lachlan McCrae grumbled into his beer, eyeing the new man at the bar.

“He spent the morning at the library,” Lachie whispered. “Don’t suppose he knows Belle, like that other American did?”

“Thought she didnae have anyone,” Barney said peevishly. “Sure are a lot of visitors poppin’ up for someone who…”

“Well, this is a lovely little party.” Hamish appeared over Lachlan’s shoulder and smiled grimly. “And whose life are we discussin’ today?”

The three men glanced at the American and Hamish raised his eyebrows. “A tourist, eh? Showin’ up in Lochdubh in the height of tourist season? Stranger things have happened.”

“He was at the library today,” Lachie hissed. “ Reading. ”

Hamish pressed a hand to his heart. “Reading! In the library! My, my.”

“There’s somethin’ funny about…”

Hamish interrupted Lachlan with an impatient gesture. “Don’t suppose ye’ve actually talked tae the man?”

“I…”

Huffing, Hamish turned to walk away and found himself face to face with the man himself. “Evening, gentlemen,” Walsh said.

“Evenin’.” “Aye.” “‘Lo.” Lochdubh’s own three stooges muttered into their beers and Hamish hid a grin.

“Mr. Meldrum, I wondered if I could get your advice,” the stranger turned to Barney, who turned pink.

“Advice? From me? I mean, ah...ay course. What can I do for you?”

“Well, I’d hoped to interview a few of your patrons for my book on Scottish folklore. As a mixologist and local entrepreneur I knew you’d have your finger on the pulse of the town. Who would you recommend?”

Barney’s face was nearly red with pleasure, his eyes shining and his chest puffed out. “Well, since you’ve asked my opinion, Mr. Walsh, I’d start with Lachlan and his boy Lachie, Jr., here. They travel all around the area and see a lot of strange things.”

“Is that so? What sort of things?” Walsh sat in the stool next to Lachlan and pulled out a small notepad and pencil, ready to be engrossed.

It was all very well done, Hamish thought as Lachlan swelled with self-importance and began to recount the time he’d seen the ghost of a madman on the road north of town. Walsh was a smooth talker and no mistake. And if he could keep those three from making idiots of themselves for even a few minutes, it would be a wonder.

The bar doors swung open and Belle walked in. Hamish felt his heart squeeze in his chest when she sent him a small smile and a wave before taking a seat at one of the booths. It’d been hard, staying away from the library, but he knew that if he saw her too soon and she was just that little bit too kind to him, he’d be spilling truths that had no business being uttered just yet.

Like how the red-brown color of her hair in the sunlight was his new favorite. Like how he wanted to pat himself on the back every time he made her laugh. Like how if she asked for them he’d bring her the sun and moon and stars and thank her for the privilege of the errand.

Esme had joined Belle at her booth and he breathed a sigh of relief. Disaster averted, for the moment; he turned back to listen to the tales the McCraes were spinning for the stranger. Lachie, Jr., was winding up the story of the mysterious disappearing dog he’d seen a few times in his yard - Hamish was actually fairly sure the dog was the neighbor’s and they just didn’t want to own up to its wandering Lachie’s yard at will - and Walsh was nodding and scribbling as if he’d never heard anything more fascinating.

“And you, Mr. Macbeth?”

“Me?” Hamish started. Walsh and the other men were all staring at him expectantly.

“Yes, you. You have occasion to investigate all sorts of odd things, I would think. Ever come across anything you couldn’t explain rationally?”

Unbidden images of the woman who had called herself Rose flashed in his brain. A ghost, if she was indeed dead, intent on bringing her nephew’s killer’s to justice. She wasn’t a part of local legend, though, and he’d never mentioned her to anyone but TV John.

“I dunno,” he hedged. “I suppose it would depend on what you mean by ‘rational.��”

“So...no brushes with the supernatural or the otherworldly?”

Hamish shrugged, an odd warm prickle crawling under his skin as Walsh’s scrutiny of him became more intense. “Mebbe? Hard tae say. Let me think on it, aye?”

“Do. I’d appreciate your perspective.”

And with that Walsh’s eyes dropped from his and Hamish felt his skin begin to cool. The others had returned to their beers, but Walsh stood and pocketed his notebook. “Thank you for your input, gentlemen,” he said with a smile. “If I need anything else, I’ll be sure to let you know.”

Belle watched with slightly narrowed eyes as Walsh left the bar; he hadn’t acknowledged her presence, but she had the odd feeling that he’d known she was there all the same. Shaking her head, she returned her attention to Esme, who was positively glowing with excitement.

“The children are just wild for it,” she said, “and the printer the Listener uses is willing to give us a good rate. What do you think?”

“A literary magazine? It sounds wonderful, Esme,” Belle smiled, dragging her mind back into the conversation.

“I’ve already planned a unit on poetry, and...well, I’d love it if we could use the library as a workspace, Belle.”

“Of course! It’s a public space, after all. Will you need any special materials?”

“I don’t think so; it’ll mainly be deciding on layouts and things like that. I figure a community journal like this, all contributions should be included, don’t you think? As long as they’re appropriate for young audiences, of course.”

“We could hold a reading, too,” Belle pointed out. “If any of the poets want to read their work in public. It’s great practice for public speaking.”

“Och, I knew we’d be great friends,” Esme enthused, grasping Belle’s hand. “You understand the importance of the written word, Belle. I haven’t had a friend like that in…” Her face suddenly shuttered. “Well. It’s been a while.”

Quickly Belle turned her hand over and squeezed Esme’s. “I know,” she said quietly. “Hamish told me about...about Alex.”

“He did?” Esme looked as if she didn’t quite know what to do with that information. “Goodness. I don’t think he’s so much as mentioned her name to anyone since...since she passed.”

“I’m sorry. You must have been devastated.”

“I was. We all were. She was one of our own, educated right here in Lochdubh School.” Tears pooled in Esme’s eyes. “Taught her myself, if you can believe that. High school English. And then she went on to write for a living, published her own book...mentioned me in the ‘thank yous’...nothing could ever make a teacher prouder than that.” Esme pulled away and brought out a handkerchief, dabbing at her eyes. “She’d have done more, I know it. Why she thought driving in that rain was a good idea…”

A weight lifted off Belle’s chest as she inferred that Esme didn’t blame Hamish for Alex’s death. And if she didn’t, someone so close to the woman and obviously partial to her, then probably few, if any, did. It was such a novel experience for her, hearing people assign responsibility and blame where it actually belonged instead of choosing an easy scapegoat.

“Anyway.” Esme shook her head and smiled gently at Belle again. “I’m trying to convince Rory to submit one of his original works, but he’s...a little sensitive about changing them. They’re a bit...well, heated.”

“With a muse like his, who can blame him?” Belle teased, and Esme laughed.

They set up a tentative schedule for Esme and the older children to use the library as their base of operations, and then Belle glanced at the bar. Hamish was still there, a glass of beer untouched in front of him as he nodded along to something TV John was saying. John caught her eye and gave her a courtly little tip of his hat, which made her blush.

Ever since she’d told him the truth about her life, he’d treated her with far more formality than she’d known since she was a young lady in her father’s keep. He insisted on calling her “my lady” and spoke to her with a sort of reverence she wasn’t used to. She smiled to herself when Hamish saw his odd gesture; he frowned a little, and then softened when he saw her sitting with Esme.

“And what about the two of you?”

“Hm?” Belle looked back to see that Esme was smiling knowingly.

“Any further developments? Did you ever get him to move those chairs for you?”

“No, I - I hired the McCraes for that.”

“Hmm.”

“Esme…”

“So help me, Belle, if you say ‘It’s not like that,’ or ‘We’re just friends,’ I will tip this drink over your bonnie wee head.”

Startled into laughter, Belle shook her head helplessly. “I wouldn’t insult your intelligence like that,” she gasped finally. “We’re getting closer, but...it’ll take time. I promise,” she grinned, “if anything happens, you’ll be the second person to know.”

Hamish waited until Esme and Belle had both left the bar before heading for his own house. The summer air soothed him, and he thought if all went well tonight - no nightmares or visitations of a guilty conscience - he might be able to visit the library at his normal time the next day. Strolling down the main street, he breathed deeply and then frowned; a man’s voice was coming from the small yard behind the church. Carefully he stepped closer and leaned against the brick wall. He recognized Walsh’s American accent immediately.

“...you’re sure? Isn’t there some way to…”

There was a pause.

“No, of course I don’t mean to question you. It’s only that things are a little more complicated here than we thought. She won’t be easy to persuade.”

She? Persuade to what?

“Well, of course I did. But I don’t think…” Walsh sighed. “Very well. It will be done.” He listened a little longer and then his voice grew impatient. “I must go, I’m rather exposed here.” Another pause. “No, this is the only place I can get a strong enough reception. Certainly.”

Hamish had about five seconds’ warning before Walsh rounded the corner of the church, tucking something into his pocket.

“Constable.” His voice was pleasant enough, but Hamish’s instincts prickled. Walsh’s eyes were cold and unreadable, his posture slightly defensive. “Lovely evening.”

“Aye.” Hamish studied him carefully. “Bit out of the way from the hotel for a phone call, though.”

“I’ve an affinity for these old churches. There’s something mystical about them, if that isn’t too heretical a thought.” He caressed the bricks and smiled disarmingly, his eyes warming again. “A bit like a conduit, I suppose, to the spiritual world. That is why we have them, after all, isn’t it? To communicate with the divine?”

“I, ah, suppose so.” After a few moments of awkward silence, Hamish shrugged. “Well, I’d best be gettin’ on. Take care, Mr. Walsh.”

“The same to you, Mr. Macbeth.”

Hamish watched, his mind whirling, as Mr. Walsh loped back towards the Lochdubh Hotel. Idiots the three in the bar might be, but there was something mighty strange about Mr. Christoph Walsh. Even if it all came to nothing, there could be no harm in keeping an eye out.

#bellish #hamish macbeth #belle french

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